Movement Disorders in the Intensive Care Unit

Movement disorders are common; yet to those without subspecialty experience they can be difficult to recognize, categorize, and manage. Although most frequently encountered in an outpatient setting, patients with movement disorders are commonly hospitalized and often admitted to the intensive care unit, leading to possible confusion about their proper care. In addition, movement disorders can arise in critical care settings for several reasons, including medication side effects, substance withdrawal, or development of a new syndrome. In this review, the authors explore the management of critically ill patients with movement disorders, new or established, including differential diagnosis, work-up, and treatment.