Kinematic Assessment for Cervical Dystonia and guiding Botox injections

The current treatment of cervical dystonia (Torticollis) uses Botox® (onabotulinumtoxinA) is an approved treatment by Health Canada and FDA. Botox® injections help to correct abnormal movements of the neck as well as any severe discomfort and pain related to the movement disorder. At present clinical limitations still exist for Movement Disorder Neurologists as it is difficult to transfer the medical skills required to locate the muscles that cause these dystonic and tremor-causing movements to other individuals. Presently, only highly skilled MDN’s are able to visually locate some of the muscles on the patient’s neck and shoulders that could cause the abnormal movements, thus restricting the number of physicians that can perform this task. What is more problematic is that it can take up to 4 cycles of injections before the optimal dose and muscle selection can be reached; meaning patients do not receive the best possible care until at least one year after treatment. As a result this can have a significant impact on patient outcomes and quality of life.

Faculty Supervisor:

Mandar Jog

Student:

Partner:

Allergan Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

Western University

Program: