Focused Ultrasound for Essential Tremor and Parkinson’s Disease Treatment
What Is Focused Ultrasound?
Focused ultrasound, also known as high-intensity focused ultrasound or HIFU, is an advanced, incisionless medical treatment option for patients suffering from essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease. These neurological conditions often cause uncontrollable shaking or tremors, which can severely impact a person’s quality of life. Focused ultrasound offers a breakthrough approach to movement disorders by using acoustic energy, or focused sound waves, to precisely target and treat the specific areas of the brain responsible for tremors, providing relief without the need for traditional brain surgery.
Focused ultrasound is FDA-approved for essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease.
Focused ultrasound is gaining popularity due to its incisionless nature, minimal downtime, and high accuracy in treating symptoms of essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease. It may be an alternative to deep brain stimulation, in which electrodes are implanted into the brain and deliver tiny electrical signals that affect the brain to calm tremors.
If you experience chronic tremors and are wondering if focused ultrasound could help, make an appointment with one of our RWJBarnabas Health neurosurgeons or neurologists who specializes in this treatment.
How to Prepare for Focused Ultrasound Treatment
Before undergoing focused ultrasound, your doctor will perform a thorough neurological evaluation to determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. You may be required to undergo diagnostic tests such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to help identify the exact area in the brain that requires treatment.
To ensure the best possible outcome, you may need to temporarily stop taking certain medications. Your doctor will provide specific pre-procedure instructions, and it is important to follow them carefully.
Be sure to arrange for transportation to and from the hospital, as you may feel slightly groggy after the procedure.
What to Expect Before the Focused Ultrasound Procedure
Here is what to expect on the day of a HIFU procedure:
- Your head will be shaved prior to the procedure. Ultrasound waves need a conductive medium. A smooth-shaven scalp and a silicone cap enable a tight interface with the ultrasound transducer. In addition, air bubbles could get trapped in hair, blocking the ultrasound waves.
- You will be given a mild sedative to help you relax. You will remain awake during the procedure so the care team can monitor symptom improvement.
- A special head frame will be securely placed on your head to keep it still during the procedure, allowing for the most accurate targeting of the ultrasound waves.
- Your mid-torso and up will be placed inside the scanner.
- The treatment bed will move in and out of the MRI scanner.
- An MRI will be performed to create detailed images of the brain, helping your health care team pinpoint the exact location for treatment.
The pre-procedure MRI imaging is crucial for the precision of the focused ultrasound treatment, ensuring that it only targets the affected area of the brain responsible for tremors or Parkinson’s symptoms.
What to Expect During the Focused Ultrasound Procedure
The focused ultrasound procedure is performed while you are awake but sedated, allowing you to remain comfortable.
Here’s what to expect during focused ultrasound treatment:
- A specialized device will deliver high-frequency sound waves directly to the targeted brain tissue. These sound waves generate heat, which destroys the tissue responsible for the tremors without damaging surrounding brain areas.
- After each application of energy, your tremor will be assessed. You will be asked to do various neurological tasks such as drawing a spiral so the physician can evaluate the improvement of your tremor and identify and address any potential side effects that you may be experiencing during the treatment.
- The entire procedure is monitored in real-time using MRI imaging to ensure the ultrasound waves are being delivered precisely.
- The treatment typically takes between 2 to 3 hours.
- During the procedure, some patients may experience mild discomfort, such as a slight headache or warmth at the treatment site. Overall, the procedure is well-tolerated by most individuals, with minimal discomfort.
What to Expect After the Focused Ultrasound Procedure
Following the procedure, you will be monitored in a recovery area for several hours to ensure there are no immediate complications.
You can return home the same day, as the procedure is minimally invasive.
Post-procedure recovery is usually quick, with most patients experiencing improvement in their tremors or Parkinson’s symptoms at the time of the procedure.
It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully after the procedure to optimize your recovery. You may be advised to limit strenuous physical activities for a short time, but most patients resume normal daily activities relatively soon after treatment.
Effects of the treatment have been shown to last at least for 5 years, but not everybody has the same result. There is the possibility that tremors may worsen months or even years after the treatment, or that the tremor may not improve at all. And while the treatment will likely improve your tremor, it is important to understand that it does not treat the underlying disease nor prevent its progression.
Are There Side Effects from Focused Ultrasound Procedures?
As with any medical treatment, focused ultrasound may cause some temporary side effects. Common side effects include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness, imbalance
- Numbness or tingling
- Slurred speech
- Muscle weakness
These side effects are usually short-lived and resolve on their own. In rare cases, patients may experience moderate side effects that persist, including numbness and tingling, imbalance and musculoskeletal weakness, but these effects are uncommon and typically temporary.
Discuss any concerns with your doctor ahead of time to understand the potential risks and benefits of the procedure. Your doctor will guide you in making an informed decision about whether HIFU is right for you.
Contact Us
Focused ultrasound for essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease offers a cutting-edge treatment option for patients seeking relief from tremors in their hands without undergoing traditional brain surgery. The procedure is incisionless, requires minimal recovery time, and is highly effective in reducing symptoms of essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease. If you or a loved one are struggling with shaking hands, contact our hospital today to learn more about focused ultrasound treatment and discover if this innovative procedure is right for you.
Our team of experienced health care professionals is here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out to us now for more information and to schedule a consultation. Contact us today to begin your journey toward a tremor-free life.
