This article was originally published in the Dystonia Dialogue. The Dystonia Coalition is a global research network funded by the National Institutes of Health that has engaged investigators and patients on an unprecedented scale to improve dystonia treatment. Since 2010, the Dystonia Coalition has included a Natural History of Isolated Dystonia study aimed at better […]
Researchers at Massachusetts Eye and Ear in Boston led by Kristina Simonyan, MD, PhD, Dr med have developed a unique diagnostic tool that detects dystonia from MRI scans, the first technology of its kind to provide an objective diagnosis of the disorder. Dr. Simonyan is a former member of the DMRF Medical & Scientific Advisory […]
There are many types of dystonia, often presenting with very distinct symptoms. There is also a great deal of overlap in the physical manifestation of symptoms across the different types. Non-motor symptoms are common, including psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. There have been numerous genes identified to cause dystonia, and it is not […]
The Musicians With Dystonia program of the DMRF has been renamed The Leon Fleisher Foundation for Musicians with Dystonia, in memory of the influential and beloved pianist and prominent public champion for dystonia. Mr. Fleisher sadly passed away earlier this year. The Leon Fleisher Foundation for Musicians with Dystonia was created in 2000 by French […]
Botulinum neurotoxin (BNT) injections are a common treatment for dystonia. This therapy is used to treat dystonia symptoms in a specific group of muscles, for example, the neck, face, or a limb. Despite the popularity of this treatment for dystonia, certain important aspects of the therapy may come as a surprise to new patients. BNT […]
This article was originally published in the Dystonia Dialogue. The Covid-19 outbreak has had a disproportionate impact on individuals with disabilities and chronic medical conditions, including those with dystonia. There has been widespread disruption of local public services, delays in treatment appointments, and changes to everyday routines. The DMRF checked in with several members of […]
The Myoclonus-Dystonia Research Program is a partnership between the DMRF and the Brown Family Foundation focused on advancing knowledge of this inherited movement disorder. Myoclonus-dystonia (M-D) is a movement disorder characterized by a combination of rapid, brief muscle contractions (myoclonus) and/or sustained twisting and repetitive movements that result in abnormal postures (dystonia). Non-movement features may […]
The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) is pleased to announce a Call for Applications for the following funding opportunities: Research Grant applications on Basic and Clinical Aspects of Dystonia Postdoctoral Research Fellowship applications Letters of Intent for both funding opportunities are due by end of day on Monday, October 19. Letters of intent for grant […]
Virtual Dystonia Zoo Day to benefit the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation is taking place on Saturday, September 12, 2020. The dystonia community is uniting online for a national day of action to boost dystonia awareness and raise funds for urgently-needed medical research. We are grateful to our National Sponsors, who each recorded special messages of […]
The DMRF family sends our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of pianist extraordinaire Leon Fleisher who passed away on August 2 at the age of 92. Mr. Fleisher inspired countless audiences with his spectacular talent. He served as mentor for many musically gifted young artists and helped them tremendously with their careers. Mr. […]
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