Focused ultrasound

Using the latest focused ultrasound technologies, our physicians can treat Parkinson's disease and essential tremors. Magnetic resonance (MR)-guided focused ultrasound offers improved visibility and accuracy, without the need for incisions or implants.

To disrupt the abnormal nerve signals causing your tremors, our neurosurgeons use high-intensity focused ultrasound waves to create a small abrasion in the area of your brain that is responsible for your tremor. We perform this advanced procedure in our state-of-the-art, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suite.

When you meet with our team to discuss your treatment options, we will first go over your medical history and personal health goals. Focused ultrasound may be right for you if you:

• Can lie still for three hours at a time
• Have tried two or more medications without success
• Weigh less than 300 pounds

There are a number of unique benefits to receiving focused ultrasound treatment at our hospital, including possibly experiencing immediate effects following your treatment.

If you and your physician decide you're a good candidate, you can expect treatment that is free from:

• Anesthesia
• Hospitalization or overnight monitoring
• Mandatory downtime after the procedure
• Radiation exposure
• Risk of infection

Our complete focused ultrasound (FUS) treatment is FDA-approved for bilateral procedures, which are procedures that can be performed on both sides of the body on the same day. The treatment is broken up into two sessions, with a required minimum of nine months between each session.

The first treatment targets one side of the brain, either the side with more severe symptoms or hand dominance depending on your personal needs and goals. After evaluating your response to the initial procedure, we can schedule the second session to treat the opposite side using the same advanced technology.