Role of Dopamine Receptors in Primary Focal Dystonias

Completed

Brief Summary: Dystonia is a disabling movement disorder characterized by repetitive patterned or sustained muscle contractions causing twisting or abnormal postures that may afflict 250,000 people in the U.S. While the pathophysiology of dystonia remains uncertain the treatment is rather rudimentary. A better understanding of neural mechanisms of dystonias is not only an invaluable prerequisite for developing better treatment options but also a step toward better understanding of the complex network of basal ganglia. In this study I will investigate if there is any difference between the dopamine receptors and dopamine in people with dystonia and healthy subjects.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

Exclusion criteria:

Family history of dystonia
Pregnancy (confirmed with negative urine pregnancy test in women of child bearing potential), breastfeeding
Exposure to radiation therapy
Any MRI contraindications such as foreign metallic implants, pacemaker, and aneurysm clip etc.
History of cardiac disease, uncontrolled hypertension, abnormal EKG during screening phase
History of exposure to any drugs affecting dopaminergic systems within the last 6 months (e.g. dopamine receptor blocking agents, cocaine, amphetamine, tetrabenazine, reserpine, L-dopa, dopamine agonists, as they might affect the dopamine receptor binding or endogenous dopamine).
Active depression (Beck Depression Inventory_II >14)
Cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Score <27)
CNS active medications such as gabapentin or narcotics, muscle relaxants which might be given for pain in the 3 days prior to study
History of stroke, seizure, cerebral palsy, generalized dystonia, parkinsonism, inability to hold head still during the scanning time.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method

Locations (1): Washington University
🇺🇸
Saint Louis, Missouri, United States