Over time, on this BB, we have discussed various "Family Connections." I've been open about my own "family-history" (several cases of Parkinson's and other neurological disorders).

Obviously, it is connected and I was blessed that my mother did extensive genealogical research on several generations. Her lineage research inspired my own medical research of recent generations. Every patient should do this type of study to determine "the Family WHY'S?." I've promoted this type of research on the BB for years. It's important, so that patients get some clue as to the why's and what's.

It would be rare to have multiple cases of SD, or other focal dystonias, in the same family although one woman (who posted here several months ago) can document three cases of SD in her family. I'll ship this post to her so possibly she will respond to you.

*NO Coincidence* that some of this stuff runs in families. Neurology is definitely hereditary. We've explored it here in the past and there is much to be learned while continuing to ponder this issue.

Good luck researching your own personal genetic connections. There will be ALOT of info about genetic-connections and research at the Miami Symposium in November, in case you can make it.

My doctor diagnosed her and said it was the first time he ever saw a mother/daughter with sd. Mine was much more severe than my mom's and I received botox for over 10 years until Dr. Berke's surgery in 2000.

My mom's voice changed right after the death of my father and mine changed after using a room humidifier for an extended period of time. We don't know for sure what caused our voice disorders and I don't think doctors know what really causes sd.

Good to see you here, telling your family story in this thread. I've found your family SD-history captivating and am gratified to know you in person, as we share medical professionals and a support group over the past couple of years.

For four years on this BB, I've shared stories of my family neurological history and personal theories about genetic connections in my mom's side of the family (based on fact and observation) in order to be supportive to other SD'ers trying to determine the origin of their cases. I figured my case out years ago but *the quest* can be quite challenging.

Your genetic connections are SO clear that it's important we are all aware of such information from others. We as patients; and, also, the medical community. I'm so glad your family is participating in the medical study at Beth Israel. The docs who speak at the symposiums, and the clinical researchers, will be highly interested in your family history, as it would be very rare to have 3 cases in one family, based on espoused theories. Or should I say, the theories state that multiple SD-cases in one family are almost unknown. Your participation in the study will enlarge our Body of Knowledge on SD.

The great thing about the two studies which have been done in the Ashkenasi Jewish community (Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe/Russia...to make that clear for folks who may not know this term) as well as the Mennonite Community, is that these groups can be isolated and studied as an insular group (since they often stay in the same place), thus genetic connections are much clearer. Other family groups may not be so easy to isolate (such as mine...immigrated to the US between 1640-1827 and spread everywhere) as they disperse and are not easy to track as a group genetically. However, my family is FULL of neurological stuff (dispersed as they are) so I'm fascinated by your family. Also, my extended family (significant other's relatives and friends) is 100% Ashkenasi Jew so I find this fascinating.

Thanks so much for sharing this. You confirm so much of what I've learned about my own family genetics over the past 12 years.