Neurophysiology of the Basal Ganglia, Thalamus, and Cerebellum in Patients With Movement Disorders

Neurophysiology of the Basal Ganglia, Thalamus, and Cerebellum in Patients With Movement Disorders

The research study is being conducted to better understand parts of the human brain called the cortex, basal ganglia, thalamus, and cerebellum in patients with movement disorders (such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, or ataxia). These brain structures are involved in movement disorders. This study attempts to better understand the brain electrical activity associated with these disorders, both in patients with and without deep brain stimulation (DBS). Recordings are made from the scalp with a noninvasive electrode and/or through the DBS stimulator if the participant has a stimulator model that is able to sense brain activity. These recordings are analyzed along with measures of movement disorder symptoms to identify brain signal signatures of symptoms.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients 18 years of age and above
• Any patient who has been diagnosed by a movement disorders neurologist with one of the following movement disorders:
• Parkinson's disease
• Dystonia
• Tremor, including essential tremor
• Cerebellar ataxia
• Other hyperkinetic movement disorders, such as chorea and tics

Exclusion Criteria:

- Patients with dementia