Dystonia News and Research

RSS

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder, in which sustained muscle contractions cause twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures.

Using deep brain stimulation to map dysfunctional brain circuits linked to four disorders

Mass General Brigham researchers identified sets of connections that are disrupted and malfunctioning as a consequence of Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, obsessive compulsive disorder and Tourette's syndrome.

24 Feb 2024

Mapping the human dysfunctome with deep brain stimulation

A new study led by investigators from Mass General Brigham demonstrated the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) to map a 'human dysfunctome' -; a collection of dysfunctional brain circuits associated with different disorders.

22 Feb 2024

Transforming brain research with AI and machine learning

Using machine learning, researchers are able to use data from the brain to glean deeper insights and apply this new knowledge in clinical settings.

13 Nov 2023

Tai Chi shows long-term benefits for people with Parkinson's

Tai Chi, the Chinese martial art that involves sequences of very slow controlled movements, may curb the symptoms and complications of Parkinson's disease for several years, reveals research, published online in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.

25 Oct 2023

Deep brain stimulation improves memory and promotes neuron growth in Rett mice

A recent study from the lab of Dr. Jianrong Tang, associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine and principal investigator at the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute (Duncan NRI) at Texas Children's Hospital shows that deep brain stimulation (DBS) of a specific brain region results in a significant and sustained improvement of memory in Rett mice.

13 Oct 2023

Study reveals pathogenic mechanism of rare pediatric neurodegenerative disorder

A recent study published in Nature Metabolism has revealed the pathogenic mechanism underlying a rare pediatric neurodegenerative disorder known as mitochondrial enoyl reductase protein-associated neurodegeneration (MEPAN) syndrome.

31 Aug 2023

Similarities in gene expression between post-mortem and living human brains

Researchers compare human prefrontal cortex gene expression between living and post-mortem samples.

7 Aug 2023

Cerebellum plays a key role in generalized convulsive seizures, study finds

Recurrent seizures are debilitating and can sometimes, be fatal. The onset and presentation of seizures vary significantly among epilepsy patients. Of more than 25 categories of seizure presentations within epilepsy, those with motor convulsions are perhaps the most disruptive and generally most feared among patients and caregivers.

2 Aug 2023

Spinal neural circuit dysfunction mediates movement symptoms in dystonia

Many neurological conditions that involve involuntary muscle contractions have long been considered as diseases of the brain.

6 Jun 2023

Study shows two distinct types of cerebellar neurons differentially regulate motor and social behaviors

The cerebellum, a major part of the hindbrain in all vertebrates, is important for motor coordination, language acquisition, and regulating social and emotional behaviors.

15 May 2023

KAIST's neuroscientist announces recent advancements toward finding a cure for dystonia

KAIST's neuroscientist and professor, Dr. Daesoo Kim attended the "Conference for Musicians with Dystonia" supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Carnegie Hall concert of legendary pianist João Carlos Martins, who is also a dystonia patient, to announce his team's recent advancements toward finding a cure for dystonia.

1 Jan 2023

‘Impending intergenerational crisis’: Americans with disabilities lack long-term care plans

Thinking about the future makes Courtney Johnson nervous. The 25-year-old blogger and college student has autism and several chronic illnesses, and with the support of her grandparents and friends, who help her access a complex network of social services, she lives relatively independently in Johnson City, Tennessee.

11 Nov 2022

Researchers explore neurological manifestations among long COVID patients

In a new study, researchers assessed the long-term neurological sequelae in the post-acute phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or long COVD.

26 Sep 2022

Designing a new treatment to treat migraine effectively

In this interview, we speak to Mudra Kapoor, Vice President of Global Medical Affairs for Neuroscience at AbbVie, about atogepant, their new treatment option for migraine.

From AbbVie 26 Sep 2022

The currently available evidence on viral-induced parkinsonism

A new review attempts to summarize all known about the relationship between viral illness and parkinsonian disorders to facilitate further research.

31 Aug 2022

Study reveals a strong potential therapy for treatment-resistant depression

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) to the superolateral branch of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB), which is linked to reward and motivation, revealed metabolic brain changes over 12 months post-DBS implantation, making it a strong potential therapy for treatment-resistant depression according to researchers at UTHealth Houston.

19 Aug 2022

Gene mutation responsible for hereditary hemochromatosis may be a risk factor for movement disorders

A disorder called hereditary hemochromatosis, caused by a gene mutation, results in the body absorbing too much iron, leading to tissue damage and conditions like liver disease, heart problems and diabetes.

1 Aug 2022

AbbVie Submits Marketing Authorization Application to EMA for Atogepant for the Preventive Treatment of Migraine

AbbVie today announced it has submitted a marketing authorization application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for atogepant for the prophylaxis of migraine in adult patients who have at least four migraine days per month.

From AbbVie 21 Jul 2022

Insight into Neurological Diagnosis in Children

In this interview, we speak to Amy Brin, MSN, MA, PCNS-BC, CEO of the Child Neurology Foundation, about the current landscape of neurological diagnosis in children and the importance of helping patients and their families through the diagnosis and treatment process.

6 May 2022

Wireless remote care platform may help manage neurological disorders at home

Many neurological disorders like Parkinson's, chronic depression and other psychiatric conditions could be managed at home, thanks to a collaborative project involving researchers at the University of Queensland (UQ).

10 Apr 2022