DM/NC

Movement disorders and behavioral neurology

Prof. Vitor Tumas, Maria Paula Foss (Neuropsychologist), Ângela Vieira Pimentel (specialized nurse), Nayanne Beckmann Bosaipo (Neuropsychologist), Daniel Sabino de Oliveira (assistant physician), Nathália Novaretti (assistant physician), Manuelina Mariana Capellari Macruz Brito (assistant physician), Patrícia Pantoja (assistant physician), and Márcio Alexandre Pena Pereira (assistant physician)

This line of research has explored the frontier of knowledge in the etiological diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and rehabilitation of patients with movement disorders and behavioral neurology. Graduate students have contact with clinical routine specialized in the area of movement disorders and behavioral neurology, generating competence for independent updating, acting efficiently in the organization of specialized services in these areas, recognizing local needs for the organization of systems to care for patients with these pathologies, and finally developing the capacity to identify priorities for scientific research in the area. Thirteen master’s dissertations have already been defended in this line of research and with a significant clinical impact in the respective areas.

 

Research Project already completed:

 ● Genetic analysis of a sample of Brazilian patients with Parkinson’s disease

● Clinical aspects associated with hemifacial spasm.

● Assessment of manual skill in patients with idiopathic writer’s cramp

● Clinical classification of a sample of patients with idiopathic dystonia assisted at a specialized center.

● Effect of anxiety on the frequency of facial spasms in patients with hemifacial spasm

● Apolipoprotein E genotypes in Brazilian patients with Parkinson’s disease.

 

Ongoing Research Projects:

 ● Quality of life assessment in patients with essential tremor treated at the extrapyramidal disorders outpatient clinic of the General Hospital in Ribeirão Preto

● Risk assessment of patients with late- and early-onset essential tremor to develop Parkinson’s disease

● Visual and volumetric assessment of medial temporal lobe atrophy according to different levels of education in Brazilian individuals without cognitive complaints, with mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s dementia

● A pilot study to verify the safety and efficacy of doxycillin in the treatment of levodopa-induced dyskinesias in patients with Parkinson’s disease

● Epidemiological and clinical profile of autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxias in the State of Alagoas

● Investigation on the C90RF72 mutation and clinical characteristics of patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Frontotemporal dementia, and Atypical Parkinsonism.

● Research on non-motor symptoms in patients with idiopathic focal dystonia

● Prevalence of “tremor syndromes” in a specialized clinic

● Recognition of emotions in patients with facial spasm

● Alcoholism rate in patients with essential tremor: what is associated with it?

● Verifying through clinical analysis and accelerometer whether the exam can differentiate functional tremor from essential tremor