Aysegul Gunduz, Ph.D. Aysegul Gunduz, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering, is doing key research into deep brain stimulation and other aspects of the treatment of movement disorders. Dr. Gunduz, directs the Brain Mapping Labratory and collaborates in research with many of the disciplines involved in the…
In June of 2017, researchers have located highly genetic risk indicators for Tourette syndrome (TS). A study, funded by the Tourette Association of America (TAA), the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), was completed which analyzed…
What are the early signs of Parkinson’s? What are motor fluctuations? A new podcast from the Parkinson’s Foundation (the new name for the National Parkinson’s Foundation) aims to answer these questions and more. The podcast is called “Substantial Matters” and Dr. Michael Okun and…
Blepharospasm Possible Treatments: Botox and Rose-Tinted Glasses By: Wissam Deeb, M.D. & Aparna Wagle Shukla, M.D. Blepharospasm is the scientific name given to excessive involuntary forced eye blinking. It is one type of a large group of disorders called dystonias1. Dystonia is abnormal contraction/spasm of the muscles that result in…
May 15-June 15 is designated at the national Tourette Association’s Tourette Awareness Month. During this time, parents, kids, teachers, physicians, EVERYONE is encouraged to support awareness and break the stigma of tic disorders and Tourette syndrome. The North Central Florida Tourette syndrome Support Group participated in several events…
Is Focused Ultrasound a possible replacement for Deep Brain Stimulation? MedPage Today wrote a nice summary of the debate that took place last week at the American Academy of Neurology meeting. Neal Kassell, MD, from presented in favor of focused ultrasound while our own Michael Okun, MD, presented against it.
Those affected by Tourette syndrome (TS) face a unique set of difficulties at school. In addition to facing the challenges with the motor or vocal tics themselves, the co-occurring conditions that are often associated can make the school environment very challenging. Often times, students with TS and…
Dr. Michael Okun presented “DBS Outcomes: What can you expect in the short term and the long term?” at the 2016 World Parkinson Congress. To watch: Click here to register Choose September 21st Click Dr. Okun’s talk in the list There are lots of other great talks on that…
Please join us for the “15th Annual Parkinson’s Disease Symposium for Patients, Caregivers, and Healthcare Providers” on April 8th, 2017! We will have a variety of topics discussed by experts in their fields and special presentations from the Sing for Life, Dance for Life, and Arts in Medicine groups. The…
Written by Frank Vickory SPT, CSCS Parkinson’s Disease (PD) generally presents with some combination of four cardinal signs: Bradykinesia (slow movements), rigidity, resting tremor and postural instability. However, there are secondary symptoms of PD that can occur in many patients. One of the most common and potentially dangerous symptoms is…
