Research Grant Award

Susan L Perlman, MD

David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
A Multicenter Pilot Study of the Web-Based National Ataxia Database

The Cooperative Ataxia Group (CAG), a consortium of 38 North American Clinical investigators, have developed a standard database for the ataxic disorders, to be used for a) studies of how specific genes affect cerebellar function and cause disease, b) the identification of new causes of ataxia (genetic and non-genetic), and c) the design of treatment trials for different types of ataxia. This database has already been adapted for use in the Friedreich's ataxia clinical trails. The current research plan will adapt it for use in other forms of ataxia (dominant SCA, sporadic ataxia). This will be done at multiple ataxia centers, using an on-line, web-based, secure format.