METHODS: An international consensus panel under the directives of the Movement Disorders Society Infection-Related Movement Disorders Study Group developed a comprehensive definition and a consensus classification system. Case scenarios were used for validation.
RESULTS: A definition for IRMD and a two-axis-based classification system consisting of six descriptors are proposed, intended as tools for researchers and clinicians. Collected information on clinical characteristics, investigational findings, the infectious organism and presumed pathogenesis facilitate the evaluation of diagnostic certainty.
CONCLUSION: The proposed framework will serve for optimised diagnostic algorithms, systematic aggregation of informative datasets across studies, and ultimately improved care and outcome of patients with IRMDs.