| Faculty: Lawrence W. Elmer, M.D., Ph.D., Director Academic Office: 419.383.3544 Clinic Appointments: 419.383.3760 Aim: Diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders including Parkinson's and Huntington's Diseases, Essential and Familial Tremor, Tourette's Syndrome, Parkinsonian Syndromes and Dystonic Disorders. |
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Treatment Advances:
The Parkinson's Disease Movement Disorders Program (PDMDP) director has participated in major clinical trials for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) including trials of neuroprotective and novel therapeutic agents. Recent advances in medical management of early Parkinson's include once-daily therapies. Newly released and investigational agents offer significant treatment options for patients experiencing limited response to their current medications. For those patients inadequately treated with pharmacological therapies, surgically effective treatment for tremors and Parkinson’s disease may be available through the use of Deep Brain Stimulation through the joint effort of the PDMDP and regional neurosurgical centers of excellence. Finally, intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin has demonstrated proven effectiveness for the treatment of dystonic disorders including torticollis, focal dystonia, and blepharospasm.
Research:
Through involvement with the Parkinson's Study Group, industry and NIH sponsored multi-center trials, the PDMDP participates in clinical trials of pharmacological agents for the treatment of PD and long term complications of this disease. The molecular basis of neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's and Huntington's Diseases are also being examined through collaborative efforts with basic science research laboratories on the University of Toledo Main and Health Science Campuses.
Fellowship:
The PDMDP also offers a Movement Disorders Fellowship to individuals who have completed either Neurology or Psychiatry Residency Programs. The fellowship is designed for either one or two years. In the first year, fellows are intensively exposed to the diagnosis and management of hypo- and hyperkinetic movement disorders, including pharmacological management of motor, behavioral and cognitive aspects of various movement disorders, including the use of botulinum toxin for dystonias and deep brain stimulation for the treatment of tremors or PD. If desired, fellows can participate for a second year, during which time they serve as sub-investigators in clinical trails in PD (or HD as they become available), in order to establish themselves as clinical trial investigators. During the second year, fellows also have the option of pursuing basic science research in the pathophysiology and treatment of movement disorders as well, either at UT or at one of numerous nearby institutions.
Collaborations:
Neurology, Neurosurgery, Nursing, Neuroradiology, Neuropathology, Neuropsychology, Geriatric Psychiatry, and Rehabilitation Services.
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The The Center for Neurological Disorders Movement Program recently was featured on University Health Matters. |