Rare Movement Disorders Study Group

The World Health Organization (WHO) does not endorse a single definition for orphan diseases. In some countries (e.g., Japan, Argentina, United States) an accepted prevalence ranges from 1/ 1,000 to 1/ 2,500; while in others (e.g., European Commission) require not only a low prevalence but also a “life-threatening or chronically debilitating clinical condition”. With the recent advances in molecular genetics there is an increasing number of rare diseases being identified, many of them involving movement disorders.

Orphan or Rare Movement Disorders (RMD) comprise a large number of rare and disabling disorders with a wide phenotypic spectrum that often emerge in childhood. A number of issues regarding patient identification, diagnosis, standard of care, lack of specific medical treatment and outcome measures constitute relevant reasons to develop a study group focusing on this topic.

Currently, the RMD Study Group aims to bring together researchers, patient groups and health professionals; as well as to stimulate research to improve diagnostic and therapeutic options for orphan diseases including those with movement disorders. Nevertheless, a coordinated effort at an international level is required to advance RMD research, and increase education and awareness regarding these disorders.

The Study Group represents an opportunity to develop an international registry of RMD. This registry will facilitate the development of high quality worldwide observational and interventional studies of RMD.