Focused Ultrasound Therapy, FDA-approved for Essential Tremors

[Pa-zzi69]

Focused ultrasound is a completely non-invasive method of thalamotomy - a procedure in which a predefined small volume of brain tissue containing nerve cells causing the tremor is destroyed - that could be an effective option for certain patients. It is performed while the patient is awake and involves no anesthesia, no incisions in the scalp, and no burr holes through the skull or insertion of electrodes into the brain.

The target is a region in the thalamus called the ventral intermediate nucleus (Vim). Current treatments are being performed on one side of the brain, but a study is underway doing staged bilateral Vim treatments.

Focused ultrasound may offer the following benefits in treating ET:

• It is a non-invasive, single treatment that enables patients to recover rapidly and quickly return to activities of normal life (usually the next day).

• Compared to RF ablation or DBS, focused ultrasound offers a reduced risk of infection, of damage to the non-targeted area, and of blood clot formation.

• Focused ultrasound offers rapid resolution of symptoms.

• In contrast to lesioning performed with stereotactic radiosurgery, focused ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation, thus avoiding the side effects of exposure to radiation.

• Because it is non-invasive, focused ultrasound could be an option for medically refractory ET patients (those who do not respond well to medication) who do not want to undergo surgery.

more at:

fusfoundation.org/diseases-...

[Trixiedee]

There is plenty more information on Focused Ultrasound in the group - for Parkinson’s rather than essential tremor

[TheGimba]

Hi, do you know anyone in Canada who has had this treatment? It looks so promising. I watched a vid of it last night from a neurologist from Sunnybrook hospital in Toronto, near by....

[Trixiedee in reply to TheGimba]

I know someone who flew from Canada to Switzerland for FUS

[TheGimba in reply to Trixiedee]

Wow...that isn't in our price range I'm afraid...interesting though. The medical system is challenging to navigate...thanks for the feedback.

[Smittybear7]

Is that only for essential tremors? How about Parkinson tremors? Thanks

[Trixiedee in reply to Smittybear7]

I have Parkinson’s with no tremors. FUS helped me.

[Fricnfrac1999 in reply to Trixiedee]

Hi, can you tell me how it helped you? My husband has an appointment next Monday with a PA to see if it is right for him. I am just realizing that everything I'm reading says it's for tremors but he doesn't have tremers either... I hope it's not a wasted appointment.

[Trixiedee in reply to Fricnfrac1999]

I had my Pallido thalamic tract targeted which is good for dystonia, rigidity and bradykinesia. I don’t know where you are but the only place that does this is by in Switzerland.

[Fricnfrac1999 in reply to Trixiedee]

We are in the states in North Carolina and he is going to Duke University hospital. They have focused ultrasound. I don't know if there are different kinds but that's what they have. Thanks so much for your response!! That's what my husband has too, especially with his left side.. Best wishes to you!

[Trixiedee in reply to Fricnfrac1999]

I know a lot about FUS and there are different targets in the brain and the PTT has only been trialed in the US.