Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Electrical Stimulation of Nerves to Study Focal Dystonia
Dystonic Disorders
About this trial
This is an observational trial for Dystonic Disorders focused on measuring TMS, Afferent Stimulation, Motor Cortex, Writer's Cramp, Surround Inhibition, Heterotopic Inhibition, Focal Dystonia, Writer Cramp
Eligibility Criteria
INCLUSION CRITERIA: Nineteen patients age 18 and over with focal dystonia of the upper limbs (writer's cramp) will be recruited for the study. For patients, the only selection criteria are the presence of focal hand dystonia. Nineteen normal subjects age 18 and over will be recruited for the control group. The controls will not have dystonia or any other neurological condition. All subjects will sign an informed consent prior to participation in the trial. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Exclusion criteria for the trial covering both the normal control and dystonia group will include any concurrent medical or surgical condition as well as neurological or psychiatric illnesses. Exclusion criteria will include any individual who is on medications with potential influence of the nervous system function (antidepressants, anxiolytics, anticonvulsants, antipsychotic, antiparkinson, hypnotics, stimulants, and antihistamines). The exclusion criteria also include patients who have received Botulinum toxin injection within 3 months of starting the protocol. Furthermore, any individual who has a pacemaker, an implanted medical pump, a metal plate or metal object in the skull or eye (for example, after brain surgery), or who has a history of seizure disorder will be excluded from the trial.
Sites / Locations
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 9000 Rockville Pike