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David M Simpson, MD
img_David M Simpson
PROFESSOR | Neurology, Neuromuscular Diseases
212-241-8748
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Specialties
Neurology
Research Topics
HIV/AIDS, Immune Deficiency, Infectious Disease, Motor Control, Neurology, Neuromuscular System, Neurophysiology, Neurotoxicology, Pain, Rehabilitation, Spinal Cord, Stroke, Viruses and Virology
Musician's Dystonia
Musician’s dystonia is a movement disorder that impacts the hands and arms. Approximately 1% of highly trained musicians face challenges associated with this disorder, which can be career-ending. Causes of Musician’s Dystonia are not well understood, and oral medications and rehabilitative measures rarely provide the results suffering musicians need. Dr. Simpson and his colleague Dr. Steven Frucht have begun a novel research project that provides patients with small doses of botulinum toxin (BoTN). Musicians from all over the world have participated in this study. The study has completed enrollment. The results are still being analyzed, but many patients have reported improvements that have allowed them to continue playing their instruments. Recently, one patient was able to begin playing the violin after giving it up for many years, and a drummer who was teaching has now returned to performing.
Botulinum Toxin A as a Treatment for Task-Dependent Upper Limb Tremor
Dr. Simpson co-designed a study to determine if botulinum (BoTN) can help individuals who suffer with task-dependent upper limb tremor. Patients who struggle with this disorder often have to abandon careers, in which they rely on their hands, (i.e. violinists, dentists, jewelers, surgeons). We are enrolling this exploratory pilot trial using botulinum toxin Type A in 20 patients with task-dependent upper limb tremor. The goal of this study is to gather information so that a larger multi-center study can be performed in the future.
Peripheral Neuropathy Research Registry (PNRR)
The goal of the Registry is to work to find blood markers to help scientists to develop drugs that either repair the nerves or reduce the pain caused by peripheral neuropathy. The registry includes any participant has neuropathy due to HIV disease, Diabetes, Chemical-Induced Neuropathy or Idiopathic Neuropathy.
Ultrasound vs. E-Stimulation for Targeting Muscles
Drs. Simpson, Tse and Shin of the Mount Sinai Department of Neurology are leading a study in collaboration with a team led by Dr. Codrin Lungu at the National Institutes of Health. The study’s purpose is to compare two targeting methods- E-stimulation and ultrasound- for the treatment of muscles affected by spasticity and dystonia with botulinum toxin. The study is uniquely designed to investigate discomfort, timing and weakness.
Botulinum Toxin A as a Treatment for Upper and/or Lower Limb Spasticity
Dr. Simpson is currently enrolling two studies looking at the treatment of spasticity a condition of stiffness in the arm and/or leg because of a stroke or brain injury. The studies are looking at different doses with different types of botulinum toxin (BoTN). These studies are currently enrolling.

MD, SUNY at Buffalo-School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

Residency, Neurology, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Center

Fellowship, Clinical Neurophysiology, Massachusetts General Hospital

Certifications

Am Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

2018

America’s Top Doctors (Castle Connolly Medical)

2018

Mitchell B Max Award in Neuropathic Pain

American Academy of Neurology

2016

Best Doctors in New York, New York Magazine

2010

Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians

1997

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Service Award

1977

Alpha Omega Alpha

1976

James A. Gibson Anatomical Society

208
Publications

Selected Publications

Best Practice Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Post-Stroke Spasticity: A Modified Scoping Review. Areerat Suputtitada, Supattana Chatromyen, Carl P.C. Chen, David M. Simpson. Toxins

Anemia and red blood cell indices predict HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment in the highly active antiretroviral therapy era. Asha R. Kallianpur, Quan Wang, Peilin Jia, Todd Hulgan, Zhongming Zhao, Scott L. Letendre, Ronald J. Ellis, Robert K. Heaton, Donald R. Franklin, Jill Barnholtz-Sloan, Ann C. Collier, Christina M. Marra, David B. Clifford, Benjamin B. Gelman, Justin C. McArthur, Susan Morgello, David M. Simpson, J. A. McCutchan, Igor Grant, J. Allen McCutchan, Thomas D. Marcotte, Donald Franklin, Terry Alexander, Edmund Capparelli, J. Hampton Atkinson, Steven Paul Woods, Matthew Dawson, David M. Smith, Christine Fennema-Notestine, Michael J. Taylor, Rebecca Theilmann, Anthony C. Gamst, Clint Cushman, Ian Abramson, Florin Vaida, Jennifer Marquie-Beck, Vincent Rogalski, David Simpson, Letty Mintz, Will Toperoff, Ann Collier, Christina Marra, Trudy Jones, Benjamin Gelman, Eleanor Head, Muhammad Al-Lozi, Mengesha Teshome. Journal of Infectious Diseases

HIV-associated distal neuropathic pain is associated with smaller total cerebral cortical gray matter. John R. Keltner, Christine Fennema-Notestine, Florin Vaida, Dongzhe Wang, Donald R. Franklin, Robert H. Dworkin, Chelsea Sanders, J. Allen McCutchan, Sarah L. Archibald, David J. Miller, George Kesidis, Clint Cushman, Sung Min Kim, Ian Abramson, Michael J. Taylor, Rebecca J. Theilmann, Michelle D. Julaton, Randy J. Notestine, Stephanie Corkran, Mariana Cherner, Nichole A. Duarte, Terry Alexander, Jessica Robinson-Papp, Benjamin B. Gelman, David M. Simpson, Ann C. Collier, Christina M. Marra, Susan Morgello, Greg Brown, Igor Grant, J. Hampton Atkinson, Terry L. Jernigan, Ronald J. Ellis. Journal of NeuroVirology

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Annenberg Building Floor 2nd Floor Room A2-40C

1468 Madison Ave

New York, NY 10029

212-241-8748

Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology companies, and other outside entities to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their outside financial relationships.

Below are financial relationships with industry reported by Dr. Simpson during 2023 and/or 2024. Please note that this information may differ from information posted on corporate sites due to timing or classification differences.

Consulting or Other Professional Services Examples include, but are not limited to, committee participation, data safety monitoring board (DSMB) membership

  • Averitas
  • ArgenX BV
  • Motric Bio
  • Shionogi USA, Inc.
  • Ipsen Group
  • Alexion Pharmaceuticals
  • Merz Pharmaceuticals, LLC
  • MedRx

Mount Sinai's faculty policies relating to faculty collaboration with industry are posted on our website. Patients may wish to ask their physician about the activities they perform for companies.