The Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation (BEBRF) is pleased to offer a research fellowship to support the training of exceptionally qualified physicians or scientists who wish to focus on blepharospasm with and without oromandibular dystonia. Fellowships will be awarded in the amount of up to $75,000 per year for two years. The training program should focus on research into new treatments, pathophysiology or the genetics of benign essential blepharospasm and oromandibular dystonia. Research into photophobia, dry eye, and apraxia of the eyelid opening as they relate to benign essential blepharospasm and oromandibular dystonia will also be considered for funding. Involvement in the activities of the Dystonia Coalition and participation in one or more annual BEBRF Symposiums will also be required.
Blepharospasm, a form of focal dystonia, is a chronic, unremitting, bilateral, forcible closure of the eyelids. Sometimes the spasms that start in the eyelid muscles extend further down into the lower face, causing uncontrolled contractions of the jaw or tongue. This condition is called oromandibular dystonia (Meige Syndrome). Blepharospasm is a rare disease with the incidence from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 25,000, but it is related to other adult onset focal dystonias such as cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis), spasmodic dysphonia and focal hand dystonia (such as writer's and musician's cramp). Physicians and scientists who are knowledgeable about these conditions are needed and a fellowship training program will address this need by training and encouraging young investigators.
For more information please visit: http://www.blepharospasm.org/blepharospasm-fellowship-program.html