In recent years there has been renewed interest in the role of autoimmunity
in many neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and neurodegener
ative diseases. Research advances in this field have led to the discovery o
f new potential therapeutic strategies. There are, however, only a few neur
ological disorders in which an autoimmune origin has been adequately docume
nted and definitely confirmed. The most important neurological diseases cau
sing movement disorders in which an autoimmune basis has been demonstrated
are summarized in this review. The possible role of immunity with the most
frequent movement disorders such as parkinsonism or dystonia is also commen
ted.