During and After the Focused Ultrasound Treatment

During the treatment, you will lay down on the treatment bed inside the MRI scanner. The medical team will be in the control room and you will be conscious and able to communicate with them. Your head will be positioned in the focused ultrasound helmet which is filled with water, and you will have a blanket to keep you warm.

You will be given a “stop sonication” button if for any reason you want to stop the procedure. MR images are taken to plan the treatment.

Your physician will first apply light doses of ultrasound energy to identify the right spot in your brain for treatment. Then full intensity ultrasound energy will be applied. The temperature at the target rises high enough to create a small ablation, or burn and provide a therapeutic effect, reducing the hand tremor. The treatment bed will move in and out of the MRI.

After each application of ultrasound energy, you will be asked to do tasks such as drawing spirals. This is so the physician can evaluate the improvement of your tremor and any potential side effects.
Although individual results may vary, you should notice improvement during the treatment itself. At the end of the procedure a final MRI scan will be done to assess the treatment. The frame will be removed and you will go to a recovery room.

Your physician will let you know when you can go home and when you will need to return for any follow-up visit.

Within days you can return to normal activities.