Movement Disorders

Researchers are studying stem cell therapy as a potential treatment for Parkinson's. In experimental studies, we are investigating novel ways of using stem cells modified to release powerful growth factors to treat the disease.

• Principal Investigators: Michele Tagliati, MD, and Clive Svendsen, PhD

Researchers continually pursue clinical trials to test new modalities of treatment for our patients. Our current trials include:

• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Intrepid Vercise Device for Parkinson's Disease
• Istradefylline as Treatment for Parkinson's Disease

As a pioneer in deep brain stimulation (DBS) management, our research aims to better understand the safety, reliability and effectiveness of the treatment in movement disorders. Our research involves evaluation of patients undergoing DBS treatment and their outcomes. These evaluations can provide researchers with information on long-term management of DBS treatment, such as patients' responses to stimulation, any adverse events, programming issues and medication changes leading to alterations in treatment outcomes.

Additionally, we recently characterized the precise brain area stimulated by DBS to relieve dystonia. Using a computerized model known as a "volume of tissue activation" model, we can predict effective regions of stimulation in the globus pallidus of patients with primary dystonia, opening the way for programming guides that may greatly simplify clinical DBS programming for dystonia and suggest further insights to the pathophysiology of the disease.

• Principal Investigator: Michele Tagliati, MD

To assess potential precursors to Parkinson's disease, we are studying ways to identify nonmotor symptoms, such as losses of smell, constipation, sleep difficulties, anxiety and depression.

By evaluating nonmotor symptoms as they manifest, our researchers hypothesize that we might be able to identify the root cause of the disease.

• Principal Investigator: Michele Tagliati, MD

Our movement disorders research brings together a team of scientists, neurologists, and neurosurgeons, as well as develops collaborations with other specialty areas. Our research also involves collaborations with other institutions, which currently include:

• Case Western Reserve University, Ohio
• King's College, London
• Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Mexico