Focused ultrasound is a one-time, non-invasive outpatient procedure that uses ultrasound waves, guided by MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) inside of an MRI scanner to treat the areas of your brain that cause your tremor.

The treatment does not affect the healthy tissue around those areas. Real-time MRI guidance makes sure the affected areas in your brain can be targeted with precision by your neurosurgeon throughout the procedure.

The focused ultrasound procedure takes between 90 minutes to 2 hours.

Focused ultrasound offers lasting improvement for patients with tremors, and progress is often seen immediately – even on the day of treatment or shortly thereafter. While results may vary with each patient, focused ultrasound can greatly improve the patient’s quality of life.

If you have been diagnosed with essential tremor, or tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease, focused ultrasound may be an option to improve your symptoms. Requirements can include:

• Your tremor is not responding to medication

• You cannot tolerate the side effects of your medication

• Daily activities, such as eating, writing, or getting dressed, have become difficult

• Your health is generally good, and you have no serious conditions, such as heart or lung disease

• You have no conditions or implants that prevent you from being inside an MRI scanner

• You can remain still for the entire procedure

Once you and your doctor have determined that you may be a candidate for focused ultrasound, a more detailed screening process will take place. This may consist of the following steps, including:

• Getting a CT scan

• Receiving an evaluation of your motor and cognitive abilities

• Discussing your candidacy for focused ultrasound with a team of experts made up of a neurologist, nurse practitioner, neuropsychologist and neurosurgeon

• Meeting with the neurosurgeon who will perform your focused ultrasound treatment to discuss the procedure
  

Focused ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive FDA-approved technology. The procedure is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans.