Focused ultrasound
Focused ultrasound is an incision-free treatment for patients with essential tremor who have not responded well to medications. It is based on magnetic resonance (MR)-guided focused ultrasound technology, which uses sound waves to precisely treat deep in the brain guided by MR imaging (MRI).
Allina Health’s Abbott Northwestern Hospital, ranked first in the Twin Cities by U.S. News and World Report, is the first hospital in the Twin Cities to offer this innovative treatment for essential tremor.
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What is focused ultrasound?
Focused ultrasound 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 considered to be responsible for tremor. The temperature at the target rises high enough to create a small lesion, or burn, providing a therapeutic effect.
Using MRI, the physician can plan, guide and target the area for treatment. They can also monitor the temperatures to confirm that only the targeted tissue is destroyed.
Benefits of focused ultrasound
- Research has shown that focused ultrasound leads to an immediate improvement in tremor, which was sustained for five years for treatment of the first hand.
- Because there are no surgical cuts, there is little to no risk of infection.
- The procedure is often performed on an outpatient basis, which means patients can return home the same day – and are often able to resume normal activities within days.
- Focused ultrasound is FDA-approved to treat both sides of the body, with at least 9 months between treatments.
What to expect
Prior to the procedure, you will get a specialized CT scan to determine if the shape and thickness of your skull are suitable for the incisionless treatment. Because ultrasound waves do not travel well through hair, your head will need to be shaved prior to treatment.
During the procedure, you will wear a standard stereotactic frame that helps ensure your head does not move. You will lay on an MRI treatment bed from about your mid-torso up. The bed will move in and out of the MRI scanner. You will be awake during treatment so that you can provide feedback to the physician as necessary. After each application of energy, your tremor will be assessed by doing various tasks such as drawing a spiral.
Focused ultrasound at Allina Health
Patients with essential tremor will first be seen by a neurologist at Allina Health’s movement disorders clinic. An initial evaluation will ensure there is an accurate diagnosis and then the most appropriate treatment, which may include medication, deep brain stimulation or focused ultrasound, will be determined.