Dystonia Genotype-Phenotype Correlation
Key facts
- Where
- Dallas, United StatesSee the site
Where in United States
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallas, United StatesContact: Alyssa BoudreauTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
- Trial code
- NCT03428009
- Record updated
- 23 September 2026
- Original description
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.Read full original descriptionShow less
Dystonia Genotype-Phenotype Correlation: A Study to Identify Additional Genetic Associations That Contribute to Specific Dystonic Phenotypes
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.
Inclusion: 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: Dystonia group Prior history of or concurrent neurological or psychiatric diagnosis - depression and/or anxiety accepted Current use of non-dystonia neuroactive medications - SSRI/medication for depression and/or anxiety accepted Current use of cervical brace designed for dystonia treatment Prior structural brain injury; Control group:; History of or current neurological or psychiatric diagnosis - depression and/or anxiety accepted, but must not be in active phase Current use of any neuroactive medication, SSRI/medication for depression and/or anxiety accepted.
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.