MR-Guided Ultrasound for Essential Tremor & Parkinson's Disease
MR-guided focused ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure that reduces hand tremor symptoms. A focused ultrasound may be life-changing if you have essential tremor or tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease. Our specialists use high-intensity ultrasound energy to burn a tiny part of your brain that controls movement (thalamus). Experts find that tremors lessen when ultrasound energy touches your thalamus. Ultrasound energy can pass through your skin, muscle, fat, and bone without incisions (cuts).
The entire procedure takes place within a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Your neurosurgeon plans, guides, and targets the area easily with the MRI.
Benefits of MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound
Patients who have had a focused ultrasound have seen their tremor significantly reduced. These immediate improvements help them perform everyday tasks again, such as eating, drinking, and writing.
There are many benefits to undergoing a focused ultrasound procedure:
- Non-invasive therapy with an almost immediate effect on symptoms
- Reduces your risk of infection and damage to non-targeted areas of the brain
- No incisions (cuts), burr holes through the skull, or electrode insertion into the brain are required
- Ultrasound waves don’t expose you to radiation
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ONLY LOCATION
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INTEGRATED MOVEMENT DISORDER TEAM
one-stop shop for treatment and evaluation
ADVANCED IMAGING
for targeted and patient-specific treatment
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"When I first learned about focused ultrasound procedures [at U of U Health] it sounded like a dream. Now that I had a chance to get the procedure done, the word that comes to my mind constantly is just that it's a miracle."
Our Focused Ultrasound Team
Candidate Criteria for Focused Ultrasound
As part of the evaluation process, a neurologist will need to determine the severity of your tremor. They will perform a full medical evaluation to assess your overall condition.
Patient Qualifications
- Have a confirmed diagnosis of essential tremor or Parkinson's disease
- Be at least 22 years old
- Have tried at least two medications with little to no success or undesirable side effects
- Weigh 350 pounds or less since the procedure is done in an MRI scanner
You may not be able to have treatment if you have the following conditions:
- Claustrophobia
- Pregnant
- Allergic to the contrast dye used during MRI imaging
- Not healthy enough to go through the treatment and lie still in the same position for about three hours
- Certain heart conditions
- Extensive scarring on your scalp
- Skull tumors
- Severe hematological, neurological, or other uncontrolled disease
- Metallic implants:
- Pacemakers (some are MRI-safe)
- Neurostimulators
- Some metal clips in your brain
- Some cranioplasty devices
- Any metallic implants must be non-magnetic so you won’t be injured by the strong magnetic field from the MRI.
Risks & Side Effects of MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound
It is possible, but unlikely, that you will not gain any tremor relief or improvement in life after this procedure. A focused ultrasound will not treat or prevent your underlying disease from progressing.
You may experience the following complications and side effects:
- Short periods of dizziness, pain, headaches, or other sensations during treatment, which end shortly after treatment
- Mild to moderate tingling in your fingers or elsewhere in your body, which can last the length of the procedure or up to several days
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Bruising where the IV was placed, which should heal within a week
- Changes in sensation or strength on the side of the body treated, which typically improves after several weeks.
There is a chance that your tremor may return months or years after treatment. You should discuss your questions concerning risks or complications of the procedure with your doctor.
Refer a Patient for Focused Ultrasound
Referrals from your primary care provider or neurologist (preferred) are required to be evaluated for focused ultrasound treatment. All referrals must be faxed to 801-585-6087. Contact our nurse coordinator at 801-213-0977 for questions about the referral process, evaluation appointments, or procedure.
