CompletedNot Applicable

fMRI Studies of Task Specificity in Focal Hand Dystonia

United States51 participantsStarted 2006-03-30

Plain-language summary

This study will examine how the brain makes involuntary spasms and contractions in patients with focal hand dystonia (FHD). Patients with dystonia have muscle spasms that cause uncontrolled twisting and repetitive movement or abnormal postures. In FHD, only the hand is involved. The study will use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI, see below) to study which areas of the brain are primarily affected in FHD and better understand how brain changes produce dystonia symptoms. Normal right-handed volunteers and patients with FHD who are 18-65 years of age may be eligible for this study. Candidates are screened with a medical history and physical and neurological examinations. Women who can become pregnant have a urine pregnancy test. All participants undergo fMRI. This test uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to obtain images of body organs and tissues. The subject lies on a table that is moved into the scanner (a metal cylinder), wearing earplugs to muffle loud knocking and thumping sounds that occur during the scanning process. The procedure lasts about 90 minutes, during which time the patient is asked to lie still for 10-15 minutes at a time. During the procedure, subjects are asked to perform some tasks, including writing, tapping with their hand, and drawing in a zigzag motion. Each task is performed using the right hand, left hand and right foot.

Who can participate

Age range18 Years – 65 Years

SexALL

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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

* INCLUSION CRITERIA: Focal Dystonia Subjects must be: * Right hand dominant * Between 18 and 65 years old * Diagnosed with mild, simple focal hand dystonia. For this study mild, simple focal hand dystonia suggests that the patient does not present symptoms when performing tasks other than writing. Additionally, the patient should be able to write for 20 seconds consecutively * Willing to abstain from alcohol 48 hours prior to the study Volunteers must be: * Healthy right-handed dominant individuals * Between 18 and 65 years old * Willing to abstain from alcohol 48 hours prior to the study EXCLUSION CRITERIA: * Subjects with implanted devices such as pacemakers, medication pumps or defibrillators, metal in the cranium except mouth, intracardiac lines, history of shrapnel injury or any other condition/device that may be contraindicated or prevent the acquisition of MRI * Subjects with any finding on the MRI safety questionnaire which prevents them from safely undergoing an MRI scan * Subjects who are pregnant. * Subjects with claustrophobia or other restrictions which prevent them from undergoing a scan in a confined space for up to 60 minutes * Subjects with any visual, motor, or hearing difficulties * Subjects with severe focal hand dystonia i.e., subjects who experience dystonic spasms in tasks other than/in addition to writing * Subjects with mirror dystonia * Subjects without the capacity to give consent * Subjects with any history of a severe medical condition, suc…

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00310414

SponsorNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Sponsor typeNIH

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL