Dystonia Canada News

Dystonia in childhood is a movement disorder that causes uncontrollable muscle contractions. These muscle contractions result in twisting, repetitive movements and abnormal postures. The movements and postures may be chronic or occur in episodes. Symptoms can vary with body position, specific tasks, emotions, and state of consciousness.

Diagnosing dystonia in children is complex and requires careful evaluation by experts in pediatric movement disorders. Childhood dystonia often occurs as a symptom of an underlying brain disorder.

“DMRF Canada is proud to once again to be able offer this opportunity to a worthy candidate who has already demonstrated dedication and passion for the movement disorders field,” said Bill Saundercook, Chair, DMRF Canada. “We know that proper evaluation by a movement disorder neurologist can make a significant difference in terms of the treatment options available to dystonia patients and the corresponding benefit from treatment.

Join the Dystonia Community: Walk, Run and Wheel for a Cure: on Sunday June 2, 2019, High Park, Toronto

Join the Dystonia Community: Walk, Run and Wheel for a Cure: on Sunday June 2, 2019, High Park, Toronto

DMRF Canada is committed to helping you live your best life with dystonia. 

The next time you are visiting your movement disorder specialist, look out for the Dystonia Wellness Checklist. This is a short test that asks questions about your well being to identify areas where you may need additional support.  

DMRF Canada was thrilled with the results of our recent 2019 neurotoxin survey. We had close to 300 responses from individuals from all over the country.

A very sincere thank you to anyone who took the time to answer this survey.  This information will be used by DMRF Canada to help to improve the dystonia patient experience, and we appreciate your honesty and feedback. 

Congratulations to the following Grand Prize Winners. These lucky individuals will receive a $500 gift card from VISA:

Tracy H from Dresden, ON

Sarah A from Winnipeg, MB

Please note that there is an individual(s) who are posing as DMRF Canada staff members using email names. This individual is asking others for their personal details including phone number and email. Please note that this is not a legitimate request from DMRF Canada. Please check for legitimacy of email by the DMRF Canada domain name @dystoniacanada.org

Chuck’s Run, Walk and Wheel 5KM for Dystonia is a fun, family-friendly event, hosted at High Park, Toronto on Sunday, June 2, 2019, to raise awareness and funds for dystonia, a neurological movement disorder.  Thanks to the support of the dystonia community, this year's Chuck's Run, Walk and Wheel was another great success!  Click here if you'd still like to make a donation. 

In February 2019, the DMRF held our annual research meeting in San Antonio, TX. The MSAC is comprised of pre-eminent clinicians and researchers and represents expertise in microbiology, genetics, brain circuitry, epidemiology, and related fields.  MSAC members providing inaugural presentations in their area of expertise included Michelle Ehrlich, MD (Mt. Sinai School of Medicine), Niccolo Mecacci, MD, Ph.D. (Northwestern University), Jill Ostrem, MD (UCSF) and Roy Sillitoe (Baylor College of Medicine). The keynote lecture was offered by Pedro Gonzalez-Alegre, MD, Ph.D.