How to Record a Video of a Movement Disorder Patient

Abstract

Documentation of a movement disorder by visual methods is critical in a field where the correct semiologic definition is one of the most important but problematic steps in the diagnostic workup. Video recordings help to document the phenomenology of the movements and responses to treatment, educate providers to properly rate the severity of the disorder, and provide the opportunity to review and discuss the clinical case’s diagnosis with one’s peers. Specific movement disorder video recording protocols have been developed for parkinsonism, dystonia, chorea, myoclonus, tremor, gait, and tic disorders, although universal videotaping protocols have not been adopted. Standardized rating scales for some types of movement such as dyskinesias, parkinsonism, and tics have been validated and are now widely accepted as useful clinical assessment tools and can serve as the basis of a videotaped examination.

Received: September 18th, 2013.