Treatment of Essential Tremor with MRgFUS

Essential Tremor (ET), also known as "tremor disorder," is a neurological condition that causes involuntary shaking. The tremors most commonly affect the hands, but they can also involve the head, voice, and, in some cases, the legs and chest. Some people even experience an internal sensation of trembling. This condition is very common.

The condition develops gradually and often starts on one side of the body. Symptoms may include:

• Uncontrollable tremors that occur in episodes
• Tremors in the hands and arms
• A shaky voice or head tremor
• Nodding movements of the head

Stress and purposeful movements often worsen the symptoms. Essential Tremor is often mistaken for Parkinson’s disease, but it is a completely different condition. In fact, ET is about eight times more common than Parkinson’s disease and affects millions of people worldwide each year.

The exact cause of the condition is not fully understood, but research suggests that an area of the brain called the thalamus plays a central role. The thalamus helps control and coordinate movement.

The treatment may be suitable for you if you have Essential Tremor and medication is not sufficiently effective, if surgery is not an option, or if you prefer to avoid surgery.

Before your treatment with us, you will receive an appointment letter, which provides you with all the relevant information.

Before the treatment, you will need to have a CT scan performed so we can assess the thickness and density of your skull.

During the treatment, you lie in an MRI scanner wearing a special helmet. The procedure typically lasts 2–3 hours, and you remain awake throughout. The treatment works by sending ultrasound waves through the skin, muscles, fat, and bones without making any incisions. The ultrasound waves are not radioactive and do not involve any radiation.

During the procedure, 1,024 ultrasound transducers focus energy on a small area in the thalamus of the brain. First, the area is heated to a temperature that temporarily inactivates it, allowing us to test the effect at low power. This way, you can notice improvement and report any potential side effects. After that, a higher dose is delivered to achieve the desired permanent effect.

Advantages of MRgFUS

• No surgery required
• Rapid effect of the treatment
• Short hospital stay
• An approved, safe and effective method
• Rare side effects

Side effects are rare and are almost always mild and temporary. There is a minimal risk of infection associated with the treatment.