Michael Okun, MD, is a renowned American neurologist and expert in the field of movement disorders. He is currently the Adelaide Lackner Professor and Chair of Neurology at the University of Florida College of Medicine. Dr. Okun has dedicated his career to the diagnosis, treatment, and research of neurological disorders, with a particular focus on Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and tremors.
Background and Education
Dr. Okun received his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine, where he also completed his internship and residency in neurology. He then went on to pursue a fellowship in movement disorders at the University of Florida under the mentorship of Dr. Kelly Foote and Dr. Damian considine. During his training, Dr. Okun developed a strong interest in the neurophysiological basis of movement disorders and the development of innovative treatments for these conditions.
Research and Clinical Focus
Dr. Okun’s research focuses on the neurophysiology of movement disorders, including the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) and lesion surgery to treat Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and other movement disorders. He has published numerous papers on the topic of DBS and has served as the principal investigator on several clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of DBS for various indications. Dr. Okun is also the National Medical Director for the Parkinson’s Foundation and has served on the board of directors for the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
| Specific Category | Actual Data |
|---|---|
| Number of publications | Over 300 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters |
| Awards and honors | Recipient of the 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society's Distinguished Service Award |
Clinical Trials and Research Studies
Dr. Okun has been involved in numerous clinical trials and research studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of various treatments for movement disorders. Some of his notable studies include the evaluation of DBS for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and essential tremor. He has also investigated the use of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), for the treatment of movement disorders.
Treatment Approaches
Dr. Okun is a strong advocate for a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of movement disorders, involving a team of healthcare professionals, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. He believes that a comprehensive treatment plan should incorporate a combination of medications, surgical interventions, and rehabilitative therapies to optimize patient outcomes.
- Medications: Dr. Okun has expertise in the use of various medications for the treatment of movement disorders, including dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, and anticholinergics.
- Surgical interventions: Dr. Okun has extensive experience with DBS and lesion surgery for the treatment of movement disorders.
- Rehabilitative therapies: Dr. Okun emphasizes the importance of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy in the management of movement disorders.
What is deep brain stimulation (DBS) and how does it work?
+DBS involves the implantation of a neurostimulator device that delivers electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain. The device is typically implanted in the subthalamic nucleus or the globus pallidus internus for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and dystonia.
Dr. Okun’s work has significantly impacted the field of movement disorders, and his contributions to the development of innovative treatments have improved the lives of countless patients. As a leading expert in the field, Dr. Okun continues to advance our understanding of movement disorders and develop new treatments for these conditions.
