Deep Brain Stimulation in Laryngeal Dystonia and Voice Tremor
The goals of this project are 1) to determine the incidence of neurological voice disorders in patients with dystonia and essential tremor undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS), 2) investigate the neuroimaging and intracranial neurophysiology correlates of voice dysfunction in these subjects, and subsequently 3) determine the effects of DBS on voice function.
• Clinical indications to proceed with DBS implantation, as determined by the clinical multidisciplinary movement disorders board, including: a) definitive diagnosis of essential tremor or dystonia, b) medically refractory disease, c) adequate performance on neuropsychological evaluation as determined by a licensed clinical neuropsychologist.
• The ability to comply with test directions, complete pre-operative task training, and provide informed consent.
• Age 18-80 years.