Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)

You may be a candidate for focused ultrasound if you have a movement disorder, such as essential tremor, that continues to interfere with your daily activities despite medication. Focused ultrasound is generally considered for patients whose tremor has not responded adequately to medications or who cannot tolerate medication side effects. The goal of the procedure is to create a small lesion in the area of the brain responsible for tremor using precisely focused ultrasound energy.

Focused ultrasound is an incisionless treatment that does not require implanted hardware, making it an option for patients who prefer to avoid implants or who may not be candidates for implant-based surgery. Unlike deep brain stimulation (DBS), focused ultrasound is typically performed on one side of the brain at a time. For patients who may benefit from treatment on both sides, a second procedure may be considered after recovery and follow-up, commonly nine months or more after the initial treatment.

You should ask your doctor about your specific condition and whether focused ultrasound is the right treatment option for you.

Before your procedure, you will undergo a high-resolution MRI and other testing to determine whether focused ultrasound is appropriate for you and to help identify the exact area of the brain that will be treated.

On the day of your procedure, your head will be shaved to allow the ultrasound energy to pass through the scalp efficiently. Your head will be secured in a specialized frame as you lie inside an MRI scanner. Throughout the procedure, you will remain awake so your care team can monitor your tremor and ask for feedback. Focused ultrasound energy is delivered through the skull without making an incision, while the MRI allows your surgeon to precisely target the treatment area.

After the procedure, you will spend a short period in recovery for observation. Most patients go home the same day. You should ask your doctor about what to expect following your specific procedure.

With any procedure, there are risks you should talk to your doctor about. Some common side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, temporary numbness or tingling, balance difficulties, or weakness. Although many of these side effects improve over time, some may persist.

Because focused ultrasound creates a permanent lesion in the brain, the effects of treatment cannot be reversed. Your doctor will discuss the potential risks and benefits based on your individual condition.

Your treatment team is experienced and will provide excellent care throughout the process. Before your procedure, you will be asked to answer questions about your medical history and may undergo additional testing to confirm that focused ultrasound is the right treatment for you.

You should follow all provided instructions before your procedure. Your physician will review your medications and let you know if any should be temporarily stopped before treatment. Because most patients return home the same day, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure.

Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions before leaving the treatment center. In general, you should rest for the remainder of the day and gradually return to your normal activities as tolerated. Follow any medication or activity instructions provided by your physician.

Contact your doctor’s office if you experience worsening neurological symptoms or have concerns during your recovery. Most patients recover quickly and can resume their usual daily activities within a few days.

You may experience mild headache, fatigue, dizziness, or temporary balance changes following your procedure. Some patients also notice temporary numbness or tingling. These symptoms are often temporary and improve over time.

Many patients notice improvement in their tremor during or shortly after the procedure, although results vary from person to person. Your physician will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and discuss any additional treatment recommendations if needed.