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Movement disorders of the body are known as dystonias, and cervical dystonia is the most common. This neurological condition, also called spasmodic torticollis, is characterized by abnormal muscle movements within the neck. These jerky spasms can be very forceful and extremely painful.

Botulinum toxin (BOTOX) injections are the primary and most effective treatment for cervical dystonia; however, deep brain stimulation is a relatively new treatment showing promise. Here to talk about cervical dystonia is Allison Brashear, MD, an associate professor of neurology at the IU School of Medicine.

Dr. Brashear and her colleagues are conducting clinical trials. People with the condition who currently live in Randolph and Jennings counties in Indiana, or have lived there for five years in the past, are eligible to participate in the study. Those interested should contact research coordinator Libby Kuhn at (317) 274-2234.

Additional Resources:

• The web site for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation supplies an abundance of information about cervical dystonia, and even has a multimedia presentation about the condition.
• spasmodictorticollis.org has many resources for cervical dystonia sufferers, including information on current research, community events and support.
• Learn more about cervical and other dystonias from this fact sheet.

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