Trial Information

Summary: Focal Dystonia: Genotype-Phenotype Correlation

What is this research study about?

We want to find genes and/or brain characteristics that give us information to better predict, diagnose, or treat dystonia.

Who can take part in the research study?

You may qualify to take part in this research study if:
• You are 18-75 years old
• You were diagnosed by a neurologist with cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis) or hand dystonia (writer’s cramp)
• Your dystonia is treated with
o Botulinum toxin injections only OR
o Botulinum toxin injections and standard dystonia medications OR
o Neither oral medications nor botulinum toxin injections (that is, NO drug treatment)
• You are treated with botulinum toxin, you have had fewer than three sets of injections (that is, you began botulinum toxin treatment in the past 6 – 8 months)
• You do not have other neurological or psychiatric conditions
• You are not taking other “neuroactive” medications (such as antidepressants or ADHD medicine)

What would I have to do?

First, you would talk with the research study staff about the research study and consent process. If you qualify to take part, we will ask you to:
• Give your medical and family history information
• Have a physical exam
• Give a blood sample
• Fill out questionnaires
• Have a brain imaging assessment (MRI) using learned tasks

During the brain imaging assessment, we take pictures or images of your brain using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine. You would have to lie still for about 2 hours during this part of the research study.

It would take you about 3 - 5 hours for each study visit. You would have one to four study visits. All study visits take place at MGH-East in the Charlestown Navy Yard.

What else do I need to know?

You would receive $100 when you complete the first study visit. You would receive $150 for additional study visits that you complete.

There are no direct benefits to you for taking part in this research study. You will not learn the results of your testing or MRI. Taking part in research is voluntary.

If you would like to learn more about participating in this study, please send an e-mail message using the form below.