Action For Dystonia, Diagnosis, Education And Research
Address:
21 Liddell Terrace
Bensham,
Gateshead
Tyne and Wear
NE8 1YN
T: 0191 477 7700
Action For Dystonia, Diagnosis, Education And Research
A.D.D.E.R. was formed in 1999 out of the North East branch of The Dystonia Society, which had been running since it was started ten years previously. The name A.D.D.E.R., which stands for Action for Dystonia, Diagnosis, Education and Research, was dreamt up by John Whitaker, our own Outreach Dystonia Nurse Practitioner, because A.D.D.E.R. is a snake which suddenly strikes out of the blue, which is a bit like dystonia. One minute you are fine and the next you have this irritating and annoying muscle spasm, in your neck or face or wherever, which will not go away.When A.D.D.E.R. was formed as an independent charity, there were some strict rules which the entire dystonic population in the North East decided should be written into their constitution. There were four main aims.
To advance the education of the public in relation to the sickness and distress caused by dystoniaTo promote the treatment of people with dystonia and other related movement disordersTo offer support and welfare to patients, their carers and familiesTo promote awareness and encourage research amongst the medical professionals of the neurological conditions known as dystonia.
