Treatment of Parkinson’s Tremor with MRgFUS
Do you suffer from Parkinson’s disease with tremor and prefer not to undergo surgery or take medication? MR-guided focused ultrasound treatment (MRgFUS) is an alternative therapy for Parkinson’s tremor. The procedure is performed in an MRI scanner and is a safe and effective method with a short hospital stay. MRgFUS targets a small area of the brain with ultrasound waves to reduce your tremors. We are ready to assist you.
What you need to know about treatment of Parkinson's Tremor with MRgFUS
Approximately 12,000 people in Denmark have Parkinson’s disease, and around 1,500 new cases are diagnosed each year. In about 26% of patients, tremor is the most dominant symptom.
This form of Parkinson’s is called tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease. It is a chronic condition in which the nerve cells that control your movement and coordination gradually degenerate. The typical symptoms include tremors, muscle stiffness, slow movements, and balance problems.
The disease often begins with tremors, but stiffness and slow movements typically develop later. The tremors can be highly disabling.
The treatment may be suitable for you if you have Parkinson’s 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 all the relevant information.
Before the treatment, you will need to have a CT scan 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 feel any improvement and report 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.
Specialists and practitioners
