Identifying genetic links in movement disorders

Phenotype/Genotype Correlations in Movement Disorders

Observational National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT00018889

This study is trying to find out if there are genetic links in families with movement disorders to help understand their symptoms and identify people at risk for these conditions.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment2500 (estimated)
Ages2 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH
Locations1 site (Bethesda, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT00018889 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify families with inherited movement disorders and evaluate their clinical manifestations using advanced technologies. It focuses on performing phenotypic and genotypic characterizations of patients and their family members to establish accurate diagnoses and investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The study will also explore peripheral biomarkers to better predict individuals at risk for specific neurological diseases. Participants may also be screened for eligibility in related movement disorder protocols.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with suspected movement disorders and their family members.

Not a fit: Patients with movement disorders of unknown origin who do not have family members to participate may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnosis and understanding of genetic factors in movement disorders, potentially guiding more effective treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in identifying genetic factors in movement disorders, making this approach promising yet still expanding on existing knowledge.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:
* Individuals with suspected movement disorders
* Family members of movement disorders patients
* Ability to give informed consent or have a legally authorized representative able to give consent (for adults without consent capacity) or parent/guardian able to provide informed consent (for a child)
* If unable to give informed consent, ability to give assent (for children or adults without consent capacity)
* NIH Employees can participate in this study if they meet eligibility.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

* Pregnant women
* Children less than 2 years of age
* Employees of the Parkinson's Disease Clinic, NINDS

Exclusion criteria for MRI

* Presence of metal in subject s body which would make having an MRI scan unsafe, such as pacemakers, stimulators, pumps, aneurysm clips, metallic prostheses, artificial heart valves, cochlear implants or shrapnel fragments, or if subject was a welder or metal worker, since small metal fragments in the eye may be present.
* Subject is uncomfortable in small closed spaces (have claustrophobia) so that they would feel uncomfortable in the MRI machine.
* Unable to lie comfortably on back for up to 1 hour
* Under 12 years of age

There is no general exclusion for NIH employees.

Where this trial is running

Bethesda, Maryland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Movement DisorderClinical EvaluationGenetic StudyEssential TremorFamilial MyoclonusHereditary AtaxiaNatural HistoryInherited Movement Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.