Focal dystonia

This early-phase trial tested whether injecting a patient's own stem cells into scarred vocal folds could safely improve severe hoarseness. Nine adults with untreatable voice problems received the stem cell injection during surgery. Researchers monitored side effects and voice fu…

This study tested a new keyhole surgery (laparoscopic vaginorectopexy) in 25 women with multiple pelvic organ prolapses causing bowel problems. Researchers checked how well the surgery worked by looking at prolapse recurrence, bowel function, and quality of life up to 12 months a…

This study tested whether a new device called EndoFLIP can better diagnose anismus, a condition where the anal muscles don't relax properly during bowel movements, causing severe constipation. Researchers measured anal stretchiness in 61 patients with chronic constipation and com…

This study tested a small clip attached to the breathing tube used during anesthesia to see if it could prevent sore throat, voice changes, and trouble swallowing after surgery. 100 adults having surgery with general anesthesia took part. The clip is designed to reduce pressure o…

This study tested a small vibrating device worn on the neck to see if it could make speaking easier for people with spasmodic dysphonia, a rare voice disorder. Forty participants used the device at home for 20 minutes a day over 8 weeks. They reported how much effort it took to s…

This study tested a new type of botulinum toxin injection (DAXI) for people with adductor spasmodic dysphonia, a condition that causes the voice to spasm and sound strained. 22 adults who had previously been helped by standard Botox injections received a single DAXI injection int…

This study looked at the safety and immune response of MYOBLOC (botulinum toxin type B) injections in 502 adults with cervical dystonia, a condition causing painful neck muscle spasms. Participants received injections and were monitored for about 12 weeks. The goal was to see if …

This completed study tested whether a noninvasive brain stimulation technique called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) could help people with focal hand dystonia, a condition that causes hand cramping during tasks like writing. Twelve participants received rTMS …

This completed trial tested whether a nerve stimulation treatment called PTNS can help children aged 8-18 with constipation caused by pelvic floor dyssynergia. Forty participants received either real PTNS or a sham (fake) treatment to see if it improves bowel function. The goal i…

This study tested a wearable compression device called Dayspring for people with lymphedema in one leg. 24 adults used the device daily for 3 months. Researchers measured changes in leg swelling and quality of life to see if the device was safe and helpful.

This study looked at whether applying an ice compress to the neck before botulinum toxin injections can reduce pain for people with spasmodic dysphonia, a chronic voice disorder. 116 adults received either ice or no ice before their injection and then filled out a pain questionna…

This study compared two types of exercises for adults with long-term neck pain. After six weeks, those who did cervical stabilization exercises had greater improvements in pain, daily function, head posture, and voice efficiency than those who did traditional exercises. Both grou…

This study tested whether a single dose of sodium oxybate can improve voice symptoms in people with spasmodic dysphonia and voice tremor. 117 adults received the drug or a placebo, and researchers measured changes in symptom severity. The goal was to see if the drug could mimic t…

This study tested two non-drug treatments for paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM), a condition where vocal cords close when they should open, causing shortness of breath. Fifty-one adults were randomly assigned to either biofeedback (watching their breathing on a screen) or lary…

This study tested an experimental pill called dipraglurant in 15 people with blepharospasm, a condition causing uncontrollable eyelid spasms. Participants received either 50 mg, 100 mg, or a placebo to see if the drug is safe and can reduce spasm severity and frequency. The goal …

This study tested whether amifampridine can reduce temporary voice weakness and breathiness that often occurs in the first few weeks after Botox injections for spasmodic dysphonia (a voice disorder). 18 adults who regularly get Botox for this condition took part. The goal was to …

This completed study from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke aimed to better understand how the brain controls movement and what goes wrong in movement disorders like Parkinson's disease, Tourette's syndrome, and dystonia. Over 1,200 adults—both patients …

This study looks at whether people with dyssynergic defecation—a condition where the pelvic muscles don't relax properly during bowel movements—are more likely to have psychiatric disorders like anxiety or depression. Researchers will compare 148 patients to healthy volunteers us…

This study tested whether a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS, applied over the cerebellum, can change brain activity and reduce symptoms in people with cervical dystonia (neck muscle spasms). Fifteen participants received real and sham (fake) stimulati…

This completed study looked at 60 people with obstructed defecation, a severe form of constipation. Researchers compared how well a noninvasive nerve stimulation treatment worked in obese versus non-obese participants. The goal was to see if body weight changes the treatment's ab…

This study used PET and MRI brain scans to measure how a brain chemical called acetylcholine works in people with dystonia, a condition that causes involuntary muscle twisting. Researchers compared 31 adults with cervical or DYT1 dystonia to healthy volunteers. The goal was to be…

This study looked at 102 adults with dystonia, a condition causing involuntary muscle contractions. Researchers used questionnaires and brain wave recordings to assess memory, attention, mood, and decision-making. The goal was to better understand the non-motor symptoms of dyston…

This study looked at how voice and swallowing change after a second neck spine surgery. Two hundred patients had their vocal cords and swallowing checked before and about three weeks after surgery. They also filled out a short quality-of-life survey. The goal was to better unders…

This study looked at how cervical dystonia (neck muscle spasms) and blepharospasm (eye muscle spasms) affect walking. Researchers measured gait in 40 participants before and after botulinum toxin treatment to see if it improves walking patterns. The goal was to better understand …

This study looked at how people with cervical or myoclonus dystonia perceive their own actions, known as the 'sense of agency.' Researchers used computer tasks and brain scans to measure how accurately participants felt in control of their movements. The goal was to link these fe…

This study looked at whether giving patients online educational modules before starting voice therapy helps them stay engaged and attend more sessions. Researchers enrolled 42 adults with voice problems (dysphonia) who were recommended for voice therapy. The goal was to see if th…

This study looked at a questionnaire designed to measure how leg swelling (lymphedema) affects daily life. Researchers tested a French version for accuracy and checked if the Dutch version can track changes over time. Over 450 people with leg lymphedema filled out the questionnai…

This study tested a wrist-worn device called the Personal KinetiGraph (PKG) to see if it can accurately measure movement problems in people with Parkinson's disease. Nineteen participants wore the device while researchers compared its readings to standard clinical tests and video…

This study investigates how the cerebellum influences brain plasticity in people with dystonia, a movement disorder, and in healthy volunteers. Researchers use non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS) to temporarily change cerebellar activity and measure its effects on brain plastici…