Clinical Research Directory

A Retrospective Survey-based Multicenter Study to Delineate the Molecular and Phenotypic Spectrum of Epilepsy-dyskinesia Syndromes

The Epilepsy-Dyskinesia Study aims to advance the understanding of the clinical and molecular spectrum of epilepsy-dyskinesia syndromes, monogenic diseases that cause both movement disorders and epilepsy. Addressing challenges in rare disease research -such as small, geographically dispersed patient populations and a lack of standardized protocols- the study employs a multinational retrospective survey endorsed by the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. This survey seeks to collect comprehensive data on clinical features, disease progression, age of onset, genetic variants, and concurrent neurological conditions, standardizing data collection across countries to provide a unified understanding of these conditions. Through retrospective review and molecular data analysis, the study aims to identify patterns and correlations between movement and seizure disorders, uncovering genotype-phenotype relationships. The initiative\'s goals are to enhance understanding of epilepsy-dyskinesia syndromes, inform precision medicine approaches, and foster international collaboration.

Registry and Natural History of Epilepsy-Dyskinesia Syndromes

The Registry and Natural History of Epilepsy-Dyskinesia Syndromes is focused on gathering longitudinal clinical data as well as biological samples (blood, urine, and/or skin/tissue) from male and female patients, of all ages, who have a genetic diagnosis of epilepsy-dyskinesia syndromes. Through prospective review and molecular data analysis, the study aims to identify patterns and correlations between movement and seizure disorders, uncovering genotype-phenotype relationships. The initiative's goals are to enhance understanding of epilepsy-dyskinesia syndromes, inform precision medicine approaches, and foster international collaboration.

Dystonia Genotype-Phenotype Correlation

The purpose of this study is to (1) investigate the effect of known dystonia-causing mutations on brain structure and function, to (2) identify structural brain changes that differ between clinical phenotypes of dystonia, and to (3) collect DNA, detailed family history, and clinical phenotypes from patients with idiopathic dystonia with the goal of identifying new dystonia-related genes. Investigators will be recruiting both healthy control subjects and subjects with any form of dystonia. For this study there will be a maximum of two study visit involving a clinical assessment, collection of medical and family history, task training session, an MRI using the learned tasks, and finally a blood draw for genetic analysis. In total, these visits will take 3-5 hours. If the dystonia subjects receive botulinum toxin injections for treatment, the participants and their matched controls will be asked to come for a second visit.

İnvestigating Dysphagia in Pediatric Dystonia

Dystonia is a movement disorder involving involuntary, sustained, or intermittent muscle contractions that cause abnormal postures and repetitive movements, worsened by voluntary actions or stress. It is linked to dysfunctions in the basal ganglia, thalamus, and cerebellum, affecting sensorimotor integration. In children, dystonia often coexists with other disorders like spasticity in cerebral palsy, complicating diagnosis and treatment. Dystonia can be genetic, caused by mutations, or acquired, associated with conditions such as cerebral palsy, perinatal brain injury, and metabolic disorders. A key complication of pediatric dystonia is swallowing dysfunction (oropharyngeal dysphagia), which impairs airway protection and nutrition, increasing the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Studies have shown swallowing impairments across all phases (oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal) in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy. However, due to pathophysiological differences between dystonia and cerebral palsy, generalizing findings may lead to inaccuracies. Each dystonia subtype presents unique challenges that affect swallowing function, emphasizing the need for condition-specific assessment and interventions. This study aims to fill the research gap by exploring the clinical features of swallowing dysfunction in children with dystonia, providing insights to improve care and outcomes.