A Noninvasive Treatment Option for Essential Tremor, Parkinson’s Disease, and Other Movement Disorders
Focused Ultrasound (FUS), also known as MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound, is a non-surgical, noninvasive treatment that uses focused sound waves to destroy targeted tissue without affecting surrounding areas of the brain.
This safe, incision-free alternative to traditional surgery can provide immediate relief from tremors caused by some movement and neurological disorders. Many patients experience a life-changing reduction in tremor that restores their ability to write, eat, dress, and enjoy daily activities.
What is Focused Ultrasound?
FUS delivers high-frequency ultrasound energy to a precise location in the brain (ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus), an area responsible for tremor. The energy converges to create heat, forming a small ablation that disrupts tremor pathways. Brain MRI imaging is used throughout the procedure to plan, guide, and continuously monitor the temperature, ensuring safety and accuracy.
What are the benefits of FUS?
- Noninvasive: No incisions, no scarring, no permanent implants, nor general anesthesia.
- Immediate relief: Many patients experience tremor improvement during treatment.
- Can treat both sides of the body: FUS is FDA-approved for bilateral treatments staged at least nine months apart.
- Protects surrounding brain tissue: Real-time brain MRI imaging enables our providers to be precise and protect surrounding brain tissue.
- Quick recovery: Most patients resume normal activities within days.
- No risk of infection: Because there are no incisions, there is no risk of surgical wound infection with the FUS procedure.
Am I a good candidate for FUS?
You may be eligible for FUS if you:
- have a confirmed diagnosis of essential tremor or Parkinson’s disease
- have not responded to or cannot tolerate at least two tremor medications
- are 22 years or older
- do not have contraindicated implants
- can lie still during treatment (1.5–2.5 hours)
- have favorable skull density based on a CT scan
If you’ve been diagnosed with internal tremor, voice tremor, hand tremor (shaking hands), or head tremor, you may qualify for FUS treatment. Our movement disorders specialists can evaluate you to determine if you are a good candidate for FUS.
What happens during the FUS procedure?
Before treatment:
- You undergo a specialized CT scan and possibly a brain MRI to determine if the shape and thickness of your skull are suitable for the FUS procedure.
- Your head is shaved, and you wear a silicone cap to ensure optimal ultrasound transmission during the treatment.
- A head frame is used to prevent you from moving and ensure accuracy during the FUS procedure.
During treatment:
- You lie on a moveable treatment table in front of an MRI scanner. The treatment table moves to position your head and mid-torso in and out of the MRI scanner, while you remain still.
- Ultrasound energy is delivered in short bursts (sonications), gradually increasing to create the therapeutic lesion.
- You remain awake and are asked to perform tasks (like drawing spirals) to assess the treatment’s progress. Your ability to answer questions during the procedure also enables your doctor to immediately address any side effects that you may experience.
- Cool water circulates through the treatment helmet to keep you comfortable.
- The treatment typically lasts 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
After treatment:
- Most patients go home the same day.
- Your care team provides detailed post-treatment instructions.
- You may be asked to return the next day for a follow-up consultation.
How long does FUS relief last?
While outcomes vary, most patients report significant improvements in their quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.
Clinical trials have shown that following the first treatment with FUS, patients report a 73.1% average hand tremor (shaking hands) improvement up to five years following the procedure. Following the second hand treatment, patients report an average of 80.2% tremor improvement six months after the FUS procedure. Bilateral treatments must be staged at least nine months apart.
Following FUS treatment, it is possible that your tremor may return months or years later, or that your tremor may not improve at all. This procedure does not treat the underlying movement disorder nor can it prevent disease progression.
What are the risks or side effects of FUS?
Most side effects of the FUS procedure are mild to moderate and resolve on their own within 30 days. A smaller percentage of patients experience mild to moderate side effects up to five years after undergoing the FUS procedure. Serious complications are rare. Your physician will review all risks with you in detail.
Possible effects include:
- headache or head pressure
- numbness
- tingling
- imbalance/unsteadiness
- gait disturbance
- slurred speech (more common after second-side treatment)
- fatigue
- dizziness
- limb weakness
- Dysgeusia (an intermittent or persistent distortion of the sense of taste)
- Dysmetria (impaired control of the distance, speed, and range of motion during movements)
Frequently Asked Questions
Speak with a UHealth Focused Ultrasound specialist
If tremor medications have not relieved your symptoms of essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease, familial tremors, or hand tremor (shaking hands), treatment with Focused Ultrasound (FUS) may be life-changing. Speak with a UHealth neurologist to learn if you are a good candidate for this non-surgical procedure.
At UHealth, our patient evaluation and treatment are led by fellowship-trained movement disorder specialists who offer expertise in diagnosis, procedural safety, and long-term care. Our dedicated FUS care coordination team provides a single point of contact, ensuring you have direct access for your questions, appointment scheduling, and follow-up.
To schedule your appointment, call 305-243-3100 or click here to request an appointment.
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