Tremors Can Be Treated with MRIHIFU
Did you know that tremors can now be treated without surgery?
MRIHIFU (MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound) is an innovative technology that helps patients with Essential Tremorand Parkinson’s disease manage uncontrollable shaking of the hands, head, arms, legs, or body.
How It Works
The procedure starts with the patient lying down in an MRI machine. . The MRI provides real-time imaging of the brain, allowing the physician to pinpoint the exact target for treatment—typically a small cluster of cells in the thalamus.
High-intensity focused ultrasound waves are then delivered from a special helmet-like device worn by the patient. The sound waves pass harmlessly through the skull and converge at the target site, generating enough heat to destroy the problematic cells. The MRI continues to monitor the temperature in the targeted area to ensure safety and precision. The patient remains awake and can provide immediate feedback, which helps the physician fine-tune the treatment for optimal results.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The entire process usually takes a few hours. Patients are awake throughout the procedure and can communicate with the medical team. They may be asked to perform simple tasks like drawing or touching their nose to assess the real-time effects of the treatment. There is no anesthesia involved, and most patients experience immediate or significant reduction in their tremors.
Benefits and Risks
Benefits
- Non-invasive: No incisions, no scalpels, and no anesthesia.
- Immediate results: Many patients see an improvement in their tremor right after the procedure.
- Reduced recovery time: Patients can often go home the same day and resume normal activities shortly after.
- Safe and precise: The use of MRI guidance allows for extremely accurate targeting, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Risks
- Temporary side effects: Some patients may experience temporary side effects like unsteadiness, tingling in the fingers or face, or changes in gait. These typically resolve on their own.
- Not a cure: MRIHIFU is a symptomatic treatment, meaning it helps manage the tremor but does not cure the underlying condition.
- Potential for recurrence: While the results are often long-lasting, tremors can sometimes return or reappear in a different part of the body.
