We examined the frequency and the type of movement disorders in the published literature.

Neuromyelitis Optica spectrum disorder is an inflammatory and demyelinating disease that affects the central nervous system, classically presenting with optic neuritis and severe myelitis. However, movement disorders could be a symptom of the disease and are usually overlooked.

An extensive literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar, following the PRISMA guidelines. The following keywords have been used: movement disorders, tremors, chorea, dystonia, ataxia, myoclonus, tonic spasms, nystagmus, and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Five studies were included in our analysis.

Twenty-five patients were included. The mean age of the included patients was 52.2 ± 2.16 years. Females represent 96% of the included patients.  Eight patients were African American, eight patients were Caucasian, seven patients were Hispanic, and two patients were Asian.

The most common movement disorders were tonic spasms (56%), dystonia (24%), action or postural tremors (12%), nystagmus (12%), and chorea (4%). Some patients had more than one movement disorder.

Thirteen patients experienced partial recovery, nine achieved complete recovery, and three showed no improvement.

Spinal cord lesions were found in 6 patients (24%), brain stem lesions in 4 patients (16%), and fifteen of the patients had normal MRI at the time of movement disorders.

A Wide range of movement disorders can be seen in NMOSD. Clinicians should be aware of this symptomatology in order to achieve a successful outcome.