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.
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