Nathan Rowland, M.D., Ph.D.
Specialties
- Brain & Spine Cancer
- Neurosurgery
Locations (2)
- Mount Pleasant, SC
- North Charleston, SC
Focused Ultrasound for Essential Tremor
A non-surgical, FDA-approved treatment for essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease.
What is focused ultrasound?
Focused ultrasound is an FDA-approved non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves, guided by MRI, to quiet hand tremor at its source in the brain.
The waves pass safely through the skull and meet at a small target deep inside the brain that causes tremor. The energy creates a tiny, permanent spot that interrupts the tremor signal. Nearby tissue is not affected.
MRI does two jobs at once. It shows the physician exactly where to aim, and it acts as a real-time thermometer to confirm the temperature stays in the safe, therapeutic range.
The medical name for the procedure is MR-guided focused ultrasound, or MRgFUS.
Why choose MUSC Health for hand tremor treatment?
No surgery, no implants, no radiation. The procedure works through the intact skull. There is no incision, nothing implanted, and no infection risk from a surgical cut.
Immediate, lasting relief. Most patients see tremor improvement during the procedure itself. Clinical studies show an average 73.1% improvement in tremor severity at five years for the first treated side.
Same-day, outpatient procedure. Treatment typically takes a few hours, and most patients are discharged the same day and back to normal routines within a few days.
Treatment for both sides of the body. Focused ultrasound is FDA-approved to treat both hands, in staged procedures at least nine months apart.
No general anesthesia. Patients stay awake and talking with the care team throughout, with a pause button in hand.
Is focused ultrasound treatment right for you?
You may be a candidate if you:
- Have been diagnosed with essential tremor or tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease
- Have tried tremor medications without enough relief, or cannot tolerate them
- Can lie still inside an MRI machine for about 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Are willing to have your head shaved before the procedure, since hair blocks the sound waves
- Have any implants (such as a pacemaker, neurostimulator, joint replacement, or surgical clips) confirmed as MRI compatible
A specialized CT scan is part of the evaluation to confirm your skull is a good fit for treatment. Some health conditions can rule out the procedure. The care team walks you through the full evaluation before recommending next steps.
What to expect
Focused ultrasound for essential hand tremor.
Before your procedure
You will have a specialized CT scan to confirm your skull is suitable for the treatment. On the day of the procedure, the care team shaves and cleans your head, applies a numbing medication, and secures a lightweight frame and helmet to keep your head still.
Cool water circulates through the helmet throughout treatment to keep you comfortable.
During your procedure
You stay awake and talking with the team the entire time. MRI images map the exact target in your brain.
The team starts with low-power sound waves and asks you to perform simple tasks, such as touching your nose or drawing a spiral, to confirm the spot. The physician then increases the energy in small steps to create the therapeutic effect.
Many patients notice their tremor calming as the procedure goes on. The full treatment typically takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours. You hold a button you can press to pause at any time.
After your procedure
The helmet and frame come off, and you move to a recovery area. The care team reviews follow-up instructions with you. Most patients are discharged home the same day and return to normal.
Safety and side effects of focused ultrasound.
Focused ultrasound has a strong safety record for treating essential tremor and Parkinson's disease. As with any medical procedure, there are risks worth understanding.
The most common side effects reported in clinical studies are mild to moderate and usually short-lived:
- Numbness or tingling
- Mild imbalance or unsteadiness
- Headache
- Temporary changes in taste
Most resolve on their own within 30 days. Your physician will review the complete benefit and risk profile before treatment so you can make an informed decision.
Focused Ultrasound Provider
Accepting New Patients
Frequently asked questions about focused ultrasound.
No. Focused ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure with no incisions and no implants. The treatment is delivered through the intact skull using sound waves guided by MRI.
The procedure is done with local numbing medication, and patients remain awake and comfortable throughout. Some patients feel a brief warming sensation or mild headache. You can pause the treatment at any time.
Most procedures take 1.5 to 2.5 hours. You go home the same day.
The treatment creates a small, permanent change in the brain that interrupts the tremor signal. Clinical studies show sustained improvement, with an average 73.1% reduction in tremor severity at five years for the first treated side.
Yes. Focused ultrasound is FDA-approved for both sides of the body. The two procedures are staged at least nine months apart.
No. DBS implants electrodes and a battery to send pulses to the brain. Focused ultrasound has no implants and no hardware. Patients who are not candidates for DBS are often candidates for focused ultrasound.
Candidates typically have essential tremor or tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease and have not had enough relief from tremor medications. Our team does a full evaluation, including a CT scan and review of any implants, to confirm whether the treatment is right for you.
