Quick Facts about Botulinum Neurotoxin Injections

doctor giving neck injection

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 […]

Gone Viral: Stories from the Dystonia Community in a Pandemic

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 […]

New Grant Explores Patient Response to Alcohol in Myoclonus-Dystonia

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 […]

Greetings from National Sponsors

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 […]

Dystonia Community Mourns Legendary Pianist Leon Fleisher

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. […]

DMRF Research Grants Fund Diverse Investigations into Dystonia Origins

Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by excessive muscle contractions that cause abnormal movements and postures. Dystonia is not caused by pathology in a specific brain structure, but by dysfunctional circuits of communication between multiple brain areas responsible for coordinating and controlling body movement. Despite substantial progress made in understanding various aspects of dystonia, there […]

Study Examines Massage Therapy for Dystonia

Many individuals with dystonia seek out complementary and integrative therapies to help manage symptoms, including massage. However, the use of massage for dystonia is not well documented or studied. A recent case report, using objective rating scales, suggests that massage can temporarily reduce pain intensity, pain and spasm frequency, and dystonia symptoms in activities of […]

Benefits of Exercise for Dystonia are Physical & Emotional

This content originally appeared in the Dystonia Dialogue. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) estimate that 60% of Americans are not active at the recommended levels for good health. The merits of exercise have been studied extensively, including in neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Researchers are beginning to examine […]

Promote Dystonia Awareness While Following Health Recommendations

New face masks are available from the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF). They are 100% cotton jersey, 3 ply construction with two layers of jersey with a non-woven center for additional filtration. $10 a piece. Help raise awareness of dystonia while following public health recommendations Click here to order. 

Dystonia & COVID-19: Your Questions Answered

The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) and Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Canada (DMRFC) hosted a webinar, “Dystonia and the COVID-19 Virus – Your Questions Answered,” on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Movement disorder specialists Mark Hallett, MD of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke and Robert Chen, MB BCh, MB BChir of the University […]

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