Focused Ultrasound is an incisionless treatment for essential tremor patients who have not responded to medication. It uses sound waves guided by MRI to treat deep in the brain with no incisions or permanent implants.

The ultrasound waves are focused on a small spot in the brain, the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus (VIMI), considered responsible for tremors. The temperature at the target rises high enough to create a small ablation or burn, providing a therapeutic effect. 

The MRI is the eyes of the treatment, enabling the physician to plan, guide and target the area for treatment. It also acts like a thermometer, providing continuous temperature monitoring to verify that only the targeted tissue is destroyed. 

Benefits of Focused Ultrasound:

• Tremor improvement
• Incisionless
• Quick recovery
• No maintenance
• No radiation
• Focused ultrasound can result in a 40-77% improvement in tremors, specifically hand tremors and improved quality of life in those with essential tremor. 

Safety Information:

Clinical studies have shown that the most common side effects after treatment are:

• Imbalance of gait disturbance
• Numbness or tingling
• Headache or head pain during sonication

Most of these side effects are mild to moderate in severity. 

What is essential tremor?

Essential tremor is a neurological condition that causes shaking of the hands, head and voice, but it can also cause the legs and trunk to shake. Some people even have a feeling of internal tremor. It is often confused with Parkinson's disease, although it's eight times more common, affecting an estimated 10 million Americans and millions more worldwide. 

What are the symptoms associated with essential tremor:

• Begins gradually, usually on one side of the body.
• Occurs in the hands first, affecting one had or both.
• Can include a shaking voice or a tremor of the head.
• Worsens during periods of emotional stress and purposeful movement. 

For provider referrals, or if you are a patient looking for more information on Focused Ultrasound, contact VCU Health Neurosurgery at (804) 628-5451 or email your name and contact information to FocusedUltrasound@vcuhealth.org.