Movement disorders of autoimmune origin

Abstract

In recent years there has been renewed interest in the role of autoimmunity in many neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases. Research advances in this field have led to the discovery of new potential therapeutic strategies. There are, however, only a few neurological disorders in which an autoimmune origin has been adequately documented and definitely confirmed. The most important neurological diseases causing movement disorders in which an autoimmune basis has been demonstrated are summarized in this review. The possible role of immunity with the most frequent movement disorders such as parkinsonism or dystonia is also commented.