Neurosurgery in Pediatric Dystonia: A multimodal analysis of complex decisions

Dr. Piazza will research how families make informed decisions about deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery for children with dystonia by addressing two key gaps: understanding how families weigh the benefits and risks of DBS and comparing its long-term effectiveness and costs to standard medical care. Ultimately, the research will provide better support for families, guiding them through complex decisions about their child's care.

A Role for Striatal Somatostatin Interneurons in Hyperkinetic Movement Disorders

Dr. Scarduzio seeks to further explain why somatostatin-expressing interneurons (SOMs) found in certain brain circuits in the striatum become highly active when dystonia-like symptoms are induced. By testing ways to control these cells, she hopes to better understand how to treat movement disorders like dystonia.

Striatal Neural Correlates of Overuse Dystonia

Dr. Silva aims to introduce a new mouse model where repetitive training of a skilled task triggers dystonia, hoping to better understand the brain circuits involved and test deep brain stimulation (DBS) as a treatment. By studying brain activity during dystonia development in the new mouse model, this project hopes will shed insights into the condition’s mechanisms and uncover new pathways for therapeutic development.