Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of different movement disorder subtypes presenting to a rural neurology clinic.

Background: Movement disorders constitute a significant burden among neurological disorders, but their prevalence in rural areas of India is not well documented.

Method: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023 at the Neurology Clinic of Shree Krishna Hospital, a rural tertiary care teaching hospital in western India. All new patients presenting with any movement disorder were recruited consecutively. Standardised evaluation by a qualified neurologist was done to establish syndromic diagnoses. The prevalence of different movement disorder subtypes was calculated as a proportion of all neurology patients seen during the study period. Demographic and clinical characteristics were analysed descriptively.

Results: Of 2,395 new neurology patients evaluated, 514 (21.46%) had a movement disorder. The most common subtypes were parkinsonism in 186 (36.18%), tremor disorders in 147 (28.59%) functional movement disorders in 47(9.14%), restless limb syndrome in 33(6.42%), ataxia in 52 (10.11%), and others [including hemifacial spasm, chorea, myoclonus, dystonia] in 51(9.92%). Tremor disorders and parkinsonism peaked in the 50–69-year age group while functional movement disorders peaked in the 20–30-year age. Amongst patients with parkinsonism; Atypical parkinsonism constituted 44(23.6%), 77(41.39%) had Parkinson’s disease, and 65(34.94%) had secondary parkinsonism. A male preponderance was seen for most subtypes except FMDs. Compared to the overall patterns reported from urban tertiary clinics; FMDs, tremors and secondary parkinsonism were relatively more prevalent in this rural cohort.

Conclusion: Movement disorders constituted a significant burden in this rural neurology clinic, with tremor disorders being the most common subtype. There were some differences in the relative prevalence of subtypes compared to urban tertiary clinics. Rural epidemiological data on movement disorders is crucial for resource planning and targeted screening initiatives.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/prevalence-and-spectrum-of-movement-disorders-in-a-rural-neurology-clinic-in-western-india/