Movement Disorders in Women

Semin Neurol. 2017 Dec;37(6):653-660. doi: 10.1055/s-0037-1608845. Epub 2017 Dec 21.

Abstract

Movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD), restless legs syndrome (RLS), chorea, essential tremor, and Tourette syndrome, occur in men and women of all ages. Yet, considerable sex differences in epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment exist in these disorders. In this review, we highlight key differences in the evaluation and management of women with movement disorders, addressing sex-specific complications of treatment and unique challenges surrounding the management of movement disorders during pregnancy. We review the complex relationship between estrogen and movement disorders, including the putative neuroprotective effects of estrogen in PD and the modulatory effects on RLS and chorea associated with autoimmune disease. Further understanding of sex-specific and hormonal effects on clinical features will be important to optimize the management of women with movement disorders in the future.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome* / drug therapy
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome* / immunology
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome* / physiopathology
  • Chorea Gravidarum* / drug therapy
  • Chorea Gravidarum* / immunology
  • Chorea Gravidarum* / physiopathology
  • Essential Tremor* / drug therapy
  • Essential Tremor* / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / drug therapy
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / immunology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / physiopathology
  • Parkinson Disease* / drug therapy
  • Parkinson Disease* / physiopathology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications* / drug therapy
  • Pregnancy Complications* / immunology
  • Pregnancy Complications* / physiopathology
  • Restless Legs Syndrome* / drug therapy
  • Restless Legs Syndrome* / physiopathology
  • Tourette Syndrome* / drug therapy
  • Tourette Syndrome* / physiopathology