| spasmodic
dysphonia research opportunity
Bastian Voice Institute (BVI) is participating
in a research study designed to search for the genetic basis
of spasmodic dysphonia (SD). Some who attended the spring
2006 meeting of the National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association
in Chicago will remember the neuro-geneticist, Dr. Mark LeDoux,
from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in
Memphis. Dr. LeDoux is the lead investigator for this study,
and due to our very large caseload of SD, BVI has become a
cooperating institution for his study. Participation in this
study includes completion of a medical questionnaire and having
your blood drawn.
What is involved in the study: If you decide to take part,
you would be asked to complete a questionnaire about your
medical history with oversight from our nurse, Elga Heintzen,
R.N. She would then draw three tubes of blood. The questionnaire
and tubes of blood would then be sent to Dr. LeDoux’s
lab in Tennessee for analysis. You may join the study during
any Friday or Saturday Botox injection session.
Risks of the study: Strict attention to
confidentiality will be observed, just as we do for your BVI
medical records. You might experience bruising from blood
drawing, just as when this procedure is done at your doctor’s
office.
Anything else to know? Your participation
will be uncompensated, and will not likely provide answers
about spasmodic dysphonia that will benefit you directly in
the short-term. On the other hand, if the genetic basis of
a focal dystonia can be clearly established, then a new realm
of further inquiry and thinking about treatment may open up.
Please note that though we are eager to help contribute to
basic science knowledge concerning this voice disorder, participation
in the study is entirely voluntary. You will continue to receive
the same level of care at BVI regardless of whether you decide
to participate. If you wish any further information, Dr. Bastian,
Dr. Richardson, or Elga Heintzen, R.N. will be happy to discuss
this further with you.
Contact BVI Institute at 630-724-1100 for more information
or to schedule an appointment.
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