NINDS sponsored study will investigate the role that a brain chemical called serotonin plays in seizures. Serotonin, present naturally in the brain, helps transmit signals between nerve cells. Glucose is a sugar that is the main fuel of the brain.
Study sponsored by NINDS to examine whether continuous use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in combination with motor training can lead to long-term improvement in movement performance beyond what can be achieved with motor training alone.
NINDS sponsored study will examine the safety and effectiveness of infusing a chemical called muscimol into the brain to control seizures in patients with intractable epilepsy (frequent seizures that persist despite therapy). Muscimol, which is similar to a naturally occurring brain chemical called GABA, has been shown to reduce seizures in rats.
National, non-profit organization whose mission is to accelerate the development of brain repair therapies and cures by supporting cutting-edge collaborative research on brain damage due to childhood illness, injury, or any other cause. Provides information and resources for families and health care providers."
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke NINDS study will use high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look for subtle differences in brain anatomy between patients with focal hand dystonia (also called writer's cramp) and healthy normal volunteers. Patients with hand dystonia have prolonged muscle contractions that cause sustained twisting movements and abnormal postures. These abnormal movements often occur with activities such as writing, typing, playing certain musical instruments such as guitar or piano, or playing golf or darts.
Completed study sponsored by NINDS designed to use positron emission tomography to measure brain energy use. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a technique used to investigate the functional activity of the brain. The PET technique allows doctors to study the normal processes of the brain (central nervous system) of normal individuals and patients with neurologic illnesses without physical / structural damage to the brain.
NINDS sponsored study will examine how the areas in the brain are connected when they are controlling two finger movements at the same time. Study will examine how people use what they see to help guide two different movements. Studying will further examine the connectivity between the homologous motor areas of the two hemispheres, and between prefrontal cortex and parietal cortex, to understand sensorimotor integration processes during competitive and cooperative dual tasks.
NINDS sponsored study will evaluate patients with muscle stiffness for possible participation in current or future research studies. It will determine the cause of muscle stiffness or cramps and measure the severity of symptoms
Completed study sponsored by NINDS to determine the feasibility of using extrinsic laryngeal muscle stimulation to elevate the larynx in a manner similar to that which occurs during normal swallowing. This research will also determine whether laryngeal elevation will open the upper esophageal sphincter to assist with entry of the bolus into the esophagus. Includes studies in normal volunteers and patients with swallowing disorders.