Dystonia Canada News

A separate line of studies explores the musician’s dystonia thanks to the James C. Kilik Memorial Research Awards. In one of the projects, Robert Chen at the University of Toronto (Canada) is investigating how modulating the functional connectivity of the cerebellum affect musician's dystonia

Yet another form of dystonia is called the myoclonus-dystonia (MD). In a separate program, supported by the Brown Family Foundation, several projects are underway or close to completion.

Several groups study functional changes in dystonia using neurophysiological approaches studying the entire human or animal brain. William Hutchison at Toronto Western Hospital (Canada) studies tremor, oscillations and synaptic plasticity in dystonia patients undergoing DBS.

The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation is pleased to announce a Call for Applications for research proposals on Clinical and Basic Aspects of Dystonia.

Letters of Intent are due by end of day on Monday, September 9. Letters should be no more than 1 page and should include a summary of the proposed research as well as names and affiliations of participating researchers. 

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Dystonia Research Extra Access 2021. A DMRF hosted dystonia research update with a distinguished panel: Scientific Director Joel S. Perlmutter, MD and Medical & Scientific Advisory Council Members Ellen Hess, PhD and Aasef Shaikh, MD PhD.

DMRF Canada is thrilled to announce support of the research project: “Mechanisms of Action of DBS for Dystonia: Cholinergic Contributions to Plasticity.” By Drs. Zelma Kiss and Davide Martino at Departments of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary. DMRF Canada has committed to fund this grant, valued at $50,000 as one of two ‘Better Clinical Treatment Grants’ supported this year.

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