Decoding the Alphabet Soup: A Practical Guide to Genetic Testing in Hyperkinetic Movement Disorders

Background: The diagnosis of genetic hyperkinetic movement disorders has become increasingly more complex as new genes are discovered and technologies offer new diagnostic possibilities. As a result, the choice of appropriate gene testing and the interpretation of the results can become difficult to navigate for movement disorder experts and clinicians. In parallel, research is becoming crucial to pair with clinical assessments in order to explore advanced sequencing technologies and allow new genes discovery. Methods: Systematic review of genetic forms of hyperkinetic movement disorders and of the most relevant genetic terminology was performed. Results: Comprehensive descriptions of genetic lexicon, testing selection, and complex genetic findings related to hyperkinetic movement disorders are reported. Discussion: Here we discuss the terminology of genetic diagnosis that is now part of the clinical practice, the difficulties related to the interpretation of complex genetic results, and provide guidance and tips for gene testing selection in order not to miss important diagnosis of genetic hyperkinetic movement disorders. Highlights To review the most relevant lexicon related to genetic diagnosis, approach to gene testing, testing selection, and complex genetic findings in genetic hyperkinetic movement disorders.