About the topic

Immune-mediated movement disorders (IMMDs) in children are an emerging frontier in paediatric neurology, where clinical complexity converges with immunology and global health. These conditions—ranging from chorea and dystonia to myoclonus, tics, and parkinsonism—often present abruptly, with significant consequences for development and quality of life.

This presentation will begin by outlining the broad clinical spectrum and highlighting red flags that help distinguish immune-mediated aetiologies from genetic or metabolic mimics. The discussion will then decode the immunopathogenesis, focusing on mechanisms such as molecular mimicry, post-infectious autoimmunity, and antibody-mediated neuronal dysfunction. Building on this foundation, the talk will explore phenomenology, including distinctive features of specific syndromes, overlapping presentations, and antibody-associated disorders most frequently encountered in children.

By decoding these disorders, the session aims to provide clinicians and researchers with practical insights, sharpen diagnostic acumen, and inspire advocacy for equitable care of affected children worldwide.

Speaker

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Recognise the clinical spectrum: Understand the diverse presentations of immune-mediated movement disorders in children and identify red flags that distinguish them from genetic or metabolic mimics.
• Understand the mechanisms: Explain how immune processes such as molecular mimicry, post-infectious autoimmunity, and antibody-mediated neuronal dysfunction contribute to these disorders.
• Connect phenomenology to antibody syndromes: Differentiate distinctive syndrome features, overlapping phenomenologies, and antibody-associated movement disorders most relevant to paediatric practice.
• Apply practical strategies: Integrate diagnostic tools—including antibody panels, neuroimaging, and cerebrospinal fluid studies—with timely immunotherapies and multidisciplinary care, while adapting approaches for resource-limited settings.