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The movement disorder observed in four cases of ovarian teratoma associated encephalitis is described. The illness began with neuropsychiatric symptoms and was followed by prolonged unresponsiveness, respiratory failure, and autonomic instability. The movement disorder consisted of semirhythmic repetitive bulbar and limb movements and persisted during prolonged periods of unresponsiveness, diminishing as awareness returned. The characteristics of the movement disorder differed from recognized dyskinesias. It is suggested that interruption of forebrain corticostriatal inputs by anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antibodies removes tonic inhibition of brainstem pattern generators releasing primitive patterns of bulbar and limb movement. Recognition of the distinctive movements should prompt a search for an ovarian teratoma since the condition is responsive to tumor resection and immunomodulation., ((c) 2008 Movement Disorder Society.)

In Australia 1% of individuals aged over 50 years have Parkinson disease ( PD). Guidance for commencing device-assisted therapies ( DAT) for PD in Australia was developed based on a review of European recommendations and their relevance to the local clinical setting. An online survey and teleconference discussions were held by a group of eight local movement disorder experts to develop consensus. Referral to a movement disorder specialist and consideration of DAT is appropriate when motor fluctuations cause disability or reduced quality of life, response to treatment is inconsistent or motor fluctuations and dyskinesias require frequent treatment adjustment without apparent benefit and levodopa is required four or more times daily. Three types of DAT are available in Australia for patients with PD: continuous subcutaneous apomorphine; continuous levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel infusion; and deep brain stimulation. All improve consistency of motor response. The most important aspects when considering which DAT to use are the preferences of the patient and their carers, patient comorbidities, age, cognitive function and neuropsychiatric status. Patients and their families need to be provided with treatment options that are suitable to them, with adequate explanations regarding the recommendations and comparison of potential device-related complications. DAT are best managed, where possible, in a specialist centre with experience in all three types of therapy. Proactive and early management of symptoms during disease progression is essential to maintain optimally motor responses and quality of life in patients with PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 66-year-old man who presented to his general practitioner with a half-year history of tremor in his left hand. Tremor is a clinical problem in middle-aged and older patients. It was mentioned that several features of his condition are typical of parkinsonian tremor, which diminishes during limb movement. The man's wife stated that his posture had become more stooped over the past two years.

The article examines the case of a patient with dystonia-parkinsonism due to pallidal and nigral necrosis following heroin overdose. The patient has a history of marijuana use, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and amphetamine-induced psychosis. Examination of the patient revealed right hemichorea and impairment of left-sided fractioned finger movements. It revealed that the evolution from hemichorea to dystonia was owing to acute and subacute effect of pallidal anoxia, respectively.

The article presents a case study of a 42-year-old man with segmental dystonia from long-term dextromethorphan abuse. The susceptibility of the patient to drug-induced dystonia is investigated. Explored is the association of the spectrum of movement disorders with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blockade.