Michael Okun
Professor | University of Florida
Gainesville, FL, UNITED STATES
Dr. Michael Okun's research explores nonmotor basal ganglia brain features and various aspects of deep brain stimulation and neuromodulation
Biography
Dr. Michael Okun is a scientist and a neurologist. He is currently Chair of Neurology and a professor and executive director of the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at the University of Florida Health College of Medicine. Dr. Okun was instrumental in the construction of a one-stop patient-centered clinical-research experience for national and international patients seeking care at UF. This change in care and research delivery has since been named the service and science hub model of care.
Areas of Expertise (7)
Tremor
Dystonia
Neuromodulation
Lewy Body Disease
Parkinson's Disease
Deep Brain Stimulation
Tourette
Media Appearances (1)
Parkinson's disease is more common than thought. Toxins may contribute to rising rates.
USA Today online
2022-12-15
Parkinson's disease strikes nearly 90,000 older Americans a year, 30,000 more than was previously estimated, according to a study published Thursday.
Articles (4)
Advanced diffusion imaging to track progression in Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and progressive supranuclear palsy
NeuroImage: ClinicalTrina Mitchell, et. al
2022-04-27
Advanced diffusion imaging which accounts for complex tissue properties, such as crossing fibers and extracellular fluid, may detect longitudinal changes in widespread pathology in atypical Parkinsonian syndromes. We implemented fixel-based analysis, Neurite Orientation and Density Imaging (NODDI) and free-water imaging in Parkinson’s disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSAp), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and controls longitudinally over one year.
Functional characterization of the biogenic amine transporters on human macrophages
The Journal of Clinical InvestigationPhillip M. Mackie, et. al
2022-01-11
Monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) are key players in tissue homeostasis and diseases regulated by a variety of signaling molecules. Recent literature has highlighted the ability for biogenic amines to regulate macrophage functions, but the mechanisms governing biogenic amine signaling in and around immune cells remain nebulous. In the CNS, biogenic amine transporters are regarded as the master regulators of neurotransmitter signaling.
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 Crisis as Catalyst for Telemedicine for Chronic Neurological Disorders
JAMA NeurologyBastiaan R. Bloem, et. al
2020-04-24
The unfolding coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is transforming neurological care more than any other crisis in modern history. Social distancing and quarantine have cut off access to routine medical care for numerous individuals with neurological diseases. Many are at increased risk when coinfected with COVID-19 because of their advanced age, comorbid conditions, or immunosuppressive treatments.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Parkinson Disease A Review
JAMA NetworkMelissa J. Armstrong, et.al
2020-02-11
Parkinson disease is the most common form of parkinsonism, a group of neurological disorders with Parkinson disease–like movement problems such as rigidity, slowness and tremor. More than 6 million individuals worldwide have Parkinson disease. Diagnosis of Parkinson disease is based on history and examination. History can include prodromal features, characteristic movement difficulty and psychological or cognitive problems.
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