Baylor scientist named co-editor-in-chief of Dystonia

Dr. Roy V. Sillitoe, associate professor of pathology and immunology and neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine, has been named Co-Editor-in-Chief of newly launched Dystonia, a Gold Open Access medical journal focused on bringing visibility to the growing dystonia field and highlighting advancements in science and clinical practice.

The journal is being launched by the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) in partnership with Frontiers.

“Breakthroughs are being made in basic, clinical, and translational research,” said Sillitoe, who is also Director of the Neuropathology Core Laboratory at the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital and the Co-Director of the Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program at Baylor College of Medicine. “It is an exciting time for the field, and the journal will support the momentum going forward.”

Sillitoe also serves on the DMRF Medical & Scientific Advisory Council. Dr. Aasef Shaikh, Medical Director of University Hospitals Neurological Institute at University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center and Principal Investigator at Daroff-Dell’Osso Ocular Motility Laboratory in Ohio, is also Co-Editor-in-Chief of the new journal.

“The field is ready for a journal focused solely on dystonia,” Shaikh said. “There has been a steady increase of publications on dystonia in recent years. Now we have a designated platform to share discoveries and advancements.” Shaikh also serves on the DMRF Medical & Scientific Advisory Council and is a past DMRF Clinical Fellow.

Dystonia is a chronic, often disabling, neurological disorder marked by excessive, involuntary muscle contractions that cause abnormal body motions and postures. Estimates suggest that dystonia affects 250,000 Americans and millions worldwide. Common signs include abnormal movements or positions of the head, neck pain, excessive blinking, a breathy or strangled-sounding voice, hand cramps, or a twisted foot. Although there is not yet a cure, treatment options are available including oral medications, botulinum neurotoxin injections, and deep brain stimulation.

DMRF Vice President of Science Richard Lewis, MD added: “DMRF is very proud to be spearheading this major development for the dystonia field. When there is a need in the dystonia community—whether from patients or researchers—DMRF consistently steps in to address those needs.”