What is MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound?
MRI-guided focused ultrasound uses focused sound (or ultrasound) waves to target and treat the brain where a patient’s tremors come from.
It doesn’t require anesthesia, and patients can go home the same day. There is little to no risk of infection or complications, and tremors immediately get better or go away.
Is MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound Right for You?
MRI-guided focused ultrasound may be right for you if your medication doesn’t help your tremors. Essential tremor patients must be at least 22 years old, and tremor-dominant patients must be at least 30.
What to Expect During MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound
On the day of the treatment, a nurse will shave your head since hair interferes with the ultrasound waves. You’ll be given numbing medication before a frame is placed around your head to keep it still during treatment.
Before the treatment, MRI photos are taken to map your brain. Light doses of ultrasound energy are used to pinpoint the exact treatment location and see if tremors improve. Once the treatment location is identified, high doses of ultrasound energy are used.
