What is HIFU?
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is an innovative, non-invasive treatment option for individuals with Essential Tremor, particularly those who have not responded well to medication. This treatment uses precisely focused ultrasound waves to create a small, targeted lesion in a specific area of the brain known as the thalamus — the region that helps control movement and is believed to be involved in the tremor pathway.
Unlike traditional brain surgery, HIFU does not require any incisions or implanted devices. The procedure is guided by real-time MRI imaging, allowing the medical team to precisely locate the target area and monitor the effects throughout treatment.
How is HIFU Used to Treat Essential Tremor?
HIFU is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. The patient remains awake and responsive, allowing doctors to assess tremor improvement during the treatment. Focused ultrasound waves are delivered through the skull to the thalamus, where they create a small area of tissue change that interrupts the abnormal brain signals causing the tremor.
Most patients experience immediate improvement in tremor symptoms in the treated hand, and recovery time is generally short. Since the treatment is non-invasive, there is no surgical wound, and risks of infection are significantly reduced.
While HIFU is a highly effective option for many patients, it may not be suitable for everyone. A thorough evaluation, including imaging and clinical assessment, is required to determine if a patient is a good candidate for the procedure.
HIFU offers a promising alternative for individuals seeking relief from Essential Tremor without the need for surgery or long-term device implantation.