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.
Who can participate
Age range
11 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
General Exclusion (both Dystonia and Control groups):
* Metal in any part of the body (including metal injury to the eye) OR carrying a medical device incompatible with MRI (e.g., metal implants such as surgical clips or pacemakers) OR positive screening per UTSW MRI screening form
* Claustrophobia
* Non-fluent English
* Weight incompatible with MRI safety
* History of head trauma with neurological sequelae, including multiple concussions and/or history of stroke
* Pregnancy
* Serious medical illness or history of serious medical illness, including cancer that was treated with radiation or chemotherapy, heart attack, or a known history of HIV-1 + status
* Subjects with Hepatitis C (by Hepatitis C+ titer)
* Subjects with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)
* Severe respiratory compromise
* In the opinion of the investigator, not able to safely participate in this study
Inclusion Criteria:
* Dystonia group
Previous diagnosis of dystonia which include but is not limited to:
* cervical dystonia (50 subjects)
* blepharospasm (25 subjects)
* limb dystonia (50 subjects)
* spasmodic dysphonia (25 subjects)
* segmental dystonia
* multi-focal dystonia
* Any childhood-onset dystonia (25 subjects) Age \> 11 years
* Control group:
No prior dystonia diagnosis (175 subjects) Age \> 11 years
Exclusion Criteria:
* Dystonia group Prior history of or concurrent neurological or psychiatric diagnosis - depression and/or anxiety accepted Current use of non-dystonia neuroactive me…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Structural or functional imaging of dystonia and control groups
Timeframe: 3-5 hours at each study visit
2
Genetic Analysis of dystonia and control groups
Timeframe: 30 min
Trial details
NCT IDNCT03428009
SponsorUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center