Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Launches Journal

CHICAGO - April 22, 2021 - PRLog -- The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) has partnered with Frontiers to launch Dystonia, a Gold Open Access journal. The journal will bring visibility to the growing dystonia field and highlight advancements in science and clinical practice.

"The field is ready for a journal focused solely on dystonia," said Co-Editor-in-Chief Aasef Shaikh, MD, PhD, Penni and Stephen Weinberg Chair in Brain Health and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Neurology at University Hospitals, Cleveland, and Principal Investigator at Daroff-Dell'Osso Ocular Motility Laboratory at Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. "There has been a steady increase of publications on dystonia in recent years. Now we have a designated platform to share discoveries and advancements." Shaikh serves on the DMRF Medical & Scientific Advisory Council and is a past DMRF Clinical Fellow.

"Breakthroughs are being made in basic, clinical, and translational research," said Co-Editor-in-Chief Roy V. Sillitoe, PhD, Associate Professor of Pathology and Immunology and Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine, and Director of Neuropathology Core Laboratory, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, at Texas Children's Hospital. "It is an exciting time for the field, and the journal will support the momentum going forward." Sillitoe also serves on the DMRF Medical & Scientific Advisory Council.

DMRF Vice President of Science Richard Lewis, MD added: "DMRF is very proud to be spearheading this major development for the dystonia field. When there is a need in the dystonia community—whether from patients or researchers—DMRF consistently steps in to address those needs."

The journal is partially supported by the Joan Miller Young Investigator Fund and Tuft Family Foundation.

Dystonia is a chronic, often disabling, neurological disorder marked by excessive, involuntary muscle contractions that cause abnormal body motions and postures. Estimates suggest that dystonia affects 250,000 Americans and millions worldwide. Common signs include abnormal movements or positions of the head, neck pain, excessive blinking, a breathy or strangled-sounding voice, hand cramps, or a twisted foot. Although there is not yet a cure, treatment options are available including oral medications, botulinum neurotoxin injections, and deep brain stimulation.

The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) is the leading dystonia patient advocacy organization. Founded in 1976, the DMRF mission is to advance research toward improved treatments and a cure, promote education and awareness, and provide support resources to affected individuals and families. The DMRF can be reached at https://dystonia-foundation org or 800-377-DYST (3978).