Articles tagged with Movement Disorders
A new University of Florida study suggests a brain-imaging technique can help diagnose movement disorders. The diffusion tensor imaging technique was used on 72 patients with movement disorder diagnoses, with high accuracy achieved in separating the patients into disorder groups.
Researchers found short-term improvements in 68% of patients with FHD after low-frequency rTMS sessions, with reduced axial pen force and enhanced intracortical inhibition. However, clinical benefits were not sustained at longer follow-ups.
Researchers found that two patients with severe dystonia experienced prolonged symptom relief despite interrupted deep brain stimulation therapy. The study suggests that younger brains and shorter disease duration may be more responsive to treatment.
A research team has identified how a genetic mutation affects nerve growth in the eye, leading to Duane Syndrome. This discovery could lead to therapies that reverse the condition and improve our understanding of movement disorders.
Researchers discovered a gene responsible for congenital mirror movements disease, which affects motor skills and hand movement coordination. The RAD51 gene is involved in the transmission of brain signals between the left and right sides of the body.
A new gene called RGS9-2 has been found to regulate body weight by modulating metabolism. The discovery was made by a University of Rhode Island researcher who initially studied the gene's role in brain protein dyskinesia, a side effect of certain medications.
Scientists identify chemokine CCL5 as a crucial signal for endothelial progenitor cell recruitment in wound healing. Meanwhile, researchers discover CBX7 acts as a tumor suppressor, regulating cell growth and preventing cancer progression. Additionally, zinc deficiency is linked to severe skin inflammation due to impaired immune functi...
A UCSF-led team has identified the gene PRRT2 as the cause of a rare childhood neurological disorder called PKD/IC. The study may improve diagnosis and shed light on other movement disorders like Parkinson's disease.
A new study finds that nearly all individuals with paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) carry mutations in the PRRT2 gene, leading to abnormal neural communication and hyperexcitability. The condition can be well-controlled with existing drugs and often resolves with age.
A study of 100 patients with periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) found that left-handed individuals are significantly more likely to have bilateral limb movements, a key indicator of PLMD. This suggests a higher risk of sleep disorders in left-handed people compared to right-handed individuals.
The AAN has released an updated guideline for treating essential tremor, recommending the use of medications such as propranolol and primidone to improve shaking in people with the disorder. The guideline also suggests that brain surgery may be a viable option for those who do not benefit from drug treatment.
A group of neurologists reviewed the most frequently watched YouTube videos about movement disorders and found that 66% were identified as showing 'psychogenic' movement disorders. The doctors agreed on diagnoses in 87-100% of all cases, highlighting the need for careful consideration when seeking medical information online.
Researchers found that while deep brain stimulation has increased acceptance among referring physicians for Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders, only half of recommended patients are appropriate candidates for immediate therapy. This suggests that physicians have become more aware and accepting of the treatment, but may re...
Deep brain stimulation is a therapy approved by the FDA for certain treatment-resistant dystonias and has shown sustained benefit for up to three years. Michele Tagliati, a movement disorders expert, led an international task force that reviewed current practice and research on DBS for dystonia.
A new clinical trial shows that safinamide can help patients with severe Parkinson's disease by reducing dyskinesia, or movement problems. The study found that taking safinamide in addition to levodopa and other dopaminergic treatments reduced dyskinesia by 24% in some participants.
Earlier deep brain therapy shows better, quicker results for patients with potentially crippling dystonia. A study found that those treated earlier have better general outcomes, while age at surgery influences the time necessary to achieve optimal benefit.
Abnormal neural activity was recorded from the deep brain of Parkinson's disease and dystonia patients, confirming previous animal study results. The findings suggest that cortically evoked neural responses in the basal ganglia can be used to determine target locations for deep brain stimulation electrodes.
A recent study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that African American patients and those with lower socioeconomic status have more advanced Parkinson's disease and greater disability when seeking treatment from specialists. This disparity is associated with earlier loss of independence and greater disease severity.
Researchers at MIT have identified two genes that are altered in the brains of animals with L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias. The study found that regulating these CalDAG-GEF molecules could have therapeutic value for treating the involuntary movements associated with Parkinson's disease.
Levodopa is recommended for treating both early and advanced stages of Parkinson's disease, improving motor skills, speech, and gait. The treatment can also confirm a suspected diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, providing relief from tremors and other symptoms.
A Binghamton University researcher will receive a $1.33 million NIH grant to study the side effects of Parkinson's disease treatment, with a focus on reducing dyskinesia and suppressing abnormal motor movements. The research aims to develop new treatments that can address these issues and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers identified a new inherited dystonia syndrome, DYT16, characterized by axial muscle involvement and sardonic smile. The condition is caused by a mutation in the PRKRA gene and follows a recessive mode of inheritance.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have discovered that a cough suppressant, dextromethorphan, reduces dyskinesias in rats. Additionally, a drug tested as a schizophrenia therapy, BMY-14802, has been shown to effectively curb the involuntary movements more so than dextromethorphan.
Research at The Parkinson's Institute and Clinical Center found that intermittent nicotine treatment reduces medication-induced dyskinesias in Parkinson's disease models. This could lead to more effective and long-term treatment options for patients suffering from the condition.
Primary ciliary dyskinesia is a rare genetic disease that causes chronic airway disease and affects about 1 in 15,000 children. Newborns with respiratory distress are at risk of having this condition, which can lead to persistent wheezing, cough, and recurrent infections.
A study published in Neurology found that zonisamide significantly improved tremors and dyskinesias in Parkinson disease patients. The medication was effective at 50mg/day, with a nearly 40% improvement in symptoms.
An alliance is being formed in India to conduct Parkinson's disease clinical trials, which will aid in the development of new treatments and slow down disease progression. The initiative aims to bring attention to the condition in India, where only a few neurologists specialize in movement disorders.
Researchers found that direct neurologist involvement improves Parkinson's disease symptoms for patients undergoing deep brain stimulation, leading to reduced tremors and medication dosages. This study emphasizes the importance of personalized care by experts in movement disorders and deep brain stimulation.
David James Brooks, a pioneer in applying PET to movement disorders, received the Kuhl-Lassen Award for his groundbreaking research on Parkinson's and related disorders. His work has improved understanding of disease progression, diagnosis, and therapeutics.
A study examining reasons for suboptimal outcomes following deep brain stimulation surgery found issues with screening, diagnosis, and device programming. The researchers successfully salvaged 51% of failed procedures through reprogramming, medication adjustments, and electrode replacement.
A study of 20 male golfers with and without the yips found that those with yips had abnormal muscle activity in their forearms before impact. Golfers with yips were also older and had higher handicaps than those without yips, who had fewer errors and made more putts.
A recent study reveals that individuals with essential tremor are at a significantly higher risk of developing dementia. The research followed 202 people with essential tremor and found that 7.4% developed dementia over an average period of three years, compared to 3.5% in the control group.
A study found that deep brain stimulation with STN and GPi targets improves off-medication motor scores and levodopa-induced dyskinesia for at least one year. STN stimulation may be better for younger patients with prominent bradykinesia, while GPi stimulation is better suited for dose-limiting dyskinesia.
A study involving genetically altered mice has found similarities with essential tremor disease in humans, suggesting that the GABA system plays a role in the condition. The findings may lead to new treatments for essential tremor, which affects an estimated 5 million Americans.
Researchers presented promising results of a long-term gene therapy trial in monkeys with Parkinson's disease, showing improved symptoms with reduced levodopa doses. Genetic studies identified a new risk factor for early symptom onset linked to the GST gene, emphasizing the importance of both environmental and genetic factors in PD dev...
Scientists have successfully measured the activity of a single granule cell in an intact brain using patch-clamping technique, confirming predictions made over 30 years ago by David Marr. This breakthrough could lead to better understanding and treatment of movement disorders like ataxia and dysmetria.
A clinical trial found that low-dose clozapine can reduce levodopa-induced dyskinesias (LIDs) in people with severe Parkinson's disease by around 50 percent. The study suggests that clozapine may mitigate the transmission of toxically high levels of levodopa, thereby reducing its potency and lessening the severity and duration of LIDs.
A new study finds that istradefylline, an adenosine A2A receptor antagonist, improves motor function in Parkinson's disease patients with reduced dyskinesias. The medication reduces the time patients experience tremors, slowness, and stiffness by up to 1.7 hours per day
A study found that viral encephalitis can lead to severe movement disorders such as tremor, myoclonus, chorea, and ballismus. These disorders required heavy sedation or pharmacologic paralysis and resulted in significantly longer hospital stays compared to non-affected patients.
Researchers have identified a mouse model to investigate triggers of episodic neurological disorders, including common migraine and periodic paralysis. Two drugs, nimodipine and MK801, have been found to prevent attacks in mice, providing a potential new approach to understanding and treating these conditions.
Researchers have identified a new signaling pathway in the brain that may be connected to movement disorders. FGF14 was found to regulate nerve cell function and is involved in the basal ganglia, which are affected by Parkinson's disease.
Researchers identified four patients with involuntary movement disorders (IMDs) after being struck by lightning, sparking further study to elucidate the role of lightning strikes in IMDs and identify potential treatment options. The American Academy of Neurology is dedicated to improving patient care through education and research.
The American Academy of Neurology has reviewed new drugs for treating Parkinson's disease, but found that they do not offer significant advantages over existing treatments. Current treatment guidelines remain unchanged, emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment decisions.
ReQuip significantly reduces the risk of levodopa-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease patients. The five-year study shows that ReQuip monotherapy can reduce dyskinesia incidence by seven times and effectively control early PD symptoms.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine confirms Requip's efficacy in managing early Parkinson's disease symptoms with a low risk of developing dyskinesias. Patients taking Requip alone were seven times more likely to remain dyskinesia-free than those on levodopa alone.
A study presented at the American Academy of Neurology's annual meeting found that sudden falls among the elderly can be related to an overlooked inner ear disorder. Successful treatments are often available once the correct diagnosis is made, with excellent surgical success rates in older individuals.
Researchers found that plasma exchange and IVIG relieve neuropsychiatric symptoms in children with tics and obsessive-compulsive disorder, with symptom improvements lasting up to a year. The study suggests these treatments may be effective for a subgroup of children with strep-triggered disorders, but not all cases.
A landmark study shows ReQuip reduces dyskinesia risk by 15-fold compared to L-dopa, with comparable symptom control and lower required doses. The treatment has improved patient outcomes and reduced CNS adverse experiences.
Researchers have identified a genetic susceptibility locus for ET, a debilitating disorder characterized by tremors in the arms, head, neck, and voice. The discovery paves the way for future research to identify the cause of ET and develop more effective treatments.