Dystonia is the third most common movement disorder, affecting about 250,000 Americans. It causes involuntary muscle contractions that force certain parts of the body into contorted, sometimes painful, movements or postures. Standard medical therapy, which includes oral medications and injection treatments, often proves ineffective or causes intolerable side effects. No known cure exists. Recently, deep brain stimulation has been tried in some types of dystonia with remarkable success. 

Research includes:

• Functional Imaging of Motor Circuits in Dystonia, Sponsor: MCRPD
• Deep Brain Stimulation in Dystonia: Humanitarian Device Exemption for Activa (R) Dystonia Therapy. Sponsor: Medtronic, Inc.