Authored by Dianna Goodwin, MSN, RN
Parkinson’s disease is a condition that affects movement. It happens when the brain doesn’t make enough dopamine, a chemical that helps control movement. This lack of dopamine leads to symptoms like shaking, stiffness, slow movement, and trouble with balance. Treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. However, these treatments may become less effective over time, needing frequent changes and sometimes causing side effects.
MR-guided focused ultrasound (FUS) is a new, noninvasive treatment option for people with tremors that impact their quality of life when medications stop working. FUS uses high-energy sound waves guided by MRI to heat and target specific areas of the brain that cause movement problems without harming surrounding brain tissue.
While using FUS to treat Parkinson’s tremors is relatively new, doctors have used ultrasound to treat brain issues for many years. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that, out of 65 patients, 45 (69%) had immediate tremor relief after treatment. One year later, 37 out of 53 patients (70%) still had reduced tremors. Over the last decade, researchers have reviewed multiple studies to check the safety and effectiveness of FUS. They found that most patients see positive results, with few mild side effects. Still, scientists agree that more long-term studies are needed to fully understand how FUS can benefit people with Parkinson's.
FUS treatment can be done in an outpatient setting without anesthesia or a surgical cut. Patients stay awake so the treatment team can monitor and adjust during the procedure. Many people experience an immediate reduction in tremors. Some may have mild side effects, like muscle weakness, speech issues, tingling, or headache, either during or after treatment.
MR-guided focused ultrasound (FUS) is an innovative technique that has shown promise for improving the quality of life for Parkinson’s patients. By precisely targeting areas of the brain involved in movement, FUS can reduce tremors and improve motor skills. While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, the positive results from recent studies suggest that FUS may change Parkinson’s care now and in the future.
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