Expert on Neurological Disease Available for Comment as Recovered Patient, Leon Fleischer, Receives Kennedy Center Award

CHICAGO, Dec. 21  /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being issued by Dystonia Medical Research Foundation:

What:

On Wednesday, December 26, CBS at 9pm (EST) will air the 30th Annual Kennedy Center Honors Gala in which Leon Fleisher, award winning pianist and conductor, is bestowed this lifetime award.  Noted as one of the most gifted pianists of his generation, Fleisher's career was derailed in 1965 when symptoms of dystonia, a neurological movement disorder, left him unable use his right hand. He continued performing with just his left hand until he quite recently regained the use of his right hand through a combination of massage and Botox injections.

Dystonia is defined by uncontrollable muscle spasms and can affect one part of the body, as in Fleisher's case, or the entire body. More than 250,000 individuals in the U.S. alone are thought to have this disorder.

The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation can speak about dystonia and the devastating impact it can have on those who are afflicted with this disorder. It can also comment on available treatments, including the Botox injections Fleisher used to regain his right hand.

Who:

Janet Hieshetter, Executive Director, Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF). Hieshetter is a frequent media spokesperson for the DMRF, which is dedicated to serving the needs of all persons affected with dystonia and their families. DMRF's mission is to advance research for more effective treatments and ultimately a cure, to promote awareness and education, and to support the needs and well-being of affected individuals and families.

When:

Expert available for comment, throughout the day via telephone, December 23rd and 24th.

For more information about dystonia and the DMRF visit:

http://www.dystonia-foundation.org/ 

Dystonia Medical Research Foundation