Background: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis (anmdare) is a serious disease, that has only been known since 2007; movement disorders form part of the neuropsychiatric symptomatology.
Aim: To provide an overview of movement disorders in anmdare and to emphasise the complexity of this disease with regard to diagnostics and treatment.
Method: We searched the literature using PubMed, Medline and Cochrane and the search terms 'Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis' OR 'anti-nmda receptor encephalitis' OR 'anti-nmdar encephalitis' AND 'movement disorders' OR 'catatonia'.
Results: Orofacial dyskinesia is the most characteristic movement disorder in anmdare. Dyskinesia was observed in 80% of the patients; young children (<12 years old) have movement disorders more often.
Conclusion: Movement disorders are typical but aspecific symptoms of anmdare. More than one movement disorder is present in nearly all cases, a factor that can make early diagnosis difficult and can delay the start of appropriate treatment.