Penn State Health is now offering focused ultrasound, an advanced, incisionless treatment option for patients with essential tremor or tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease whose symptoms have not improved with medication.
The treatment uses sound waves guided by MRI to precisely target a small area deep in the brain responsible for tremor. Because the procedure does not require surgical incisions or permanent implants, most patients experience a lower risk of infection and bleeding and can return home the same day.
“Focused ultrasound is transforming how we treat tremor disorders,” said Dr. Pratik Talati, functional neurosurgeon and director of focused ultrasound for Penn State Health Neurosurgery. “Patients who have struggled with debilitating tremors for years can experience significant improvement within hours, allowing them to return to everyday activities like eating, writing and drinking.”
Focused ultrasound is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat both sides of the brain in eligible patients. Treatments are staged at least nine months apart for essential tremor and six months apart for Parkinson’s disease. Clinical studies show the benefits may last up to five years in patients with essential tremor.
