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Essential tremor is one of the most common movement disorder problems in the world. A 2014 study found that around 7 million Americans suffer from the disorder. And although the problem can often be treated with medicine, it's not always the case. So what can you do about essential tremor if your treatment isn't effective? The answer is a simple, incision-free procedure that we perform right here at Community Health Network to treat essential tremor in the hand and arm.
Essential tremor is a neurological condition that causes involuntary movements. These tremors can occur anywhere, but most often manifest in your hands. Unlike Parkinson’s Disease, where tremors are generally worse at rest, the trembling from essential tremor generally occurs while performing activities like tying your shoes, writing, or eating.
Essential tremor is most common for people over 40 and is not usually a dangerous disorder. But for many the symptoms become worse over time and get in the way of their lives.
More often than not, a simple prescription is the solution. But for the times when essential tremor does not respond to medication, MR-guided focused ultrasound is the answer. And while that may sound scary, it's non-invasive and makes all the difference in your quality of life.
This treatment uses focused ultrasound waves to pinpoint a part of your brain, the thalamus. When hundreds of these waves cross at this specific point, the temperature increases and creates a small ablation (basically a burn) that provides relief for essential tremor in your hand and arm.
These ultrasound waves safely pass through skin, fat, muscle, and bone meaning there’s no need for any incisions, and ultrasound is non-ionizing, meaning no radiation exposure.
The entire process is guided by MRI which helps your physician find the exact location to treat and also monitors temperature to make sure only the target is destroyed.
MR-guided focused ultrasound is not a bilateral treatment, meaning we can only do one side of the brain, in most cases, your dominant side. But the effects can be astounding. Community neurosurgeon Jill Donaldson, MD reports that most patients see immediate results, and up to 60% of patients still maintain excellent tremor control after even five years.
For many folks, essential tremor is a major hurdle for even the smallest of tasks. Writing a grocery list, sending an email, even drinking a glass of water can become a hassle or near impossible. This treatment helps patients take back control in their daily lives.
You might be! But as always, it’s best to consult with your physician. “As a surgeon,” Dr. Donaldson says, “we want to make sure your tremor is truly disabling before you consider any type of procedure.”
The MR-guided focused ultrasound technique is a proven treatment that has been FDA-approved since 2017. When it comes to matters of the brain, safety is the foremost concern. Start a conversation with your doctor if you’re suffering from essential tremor, and they’ll help you find the best, and safest, solution.
Learn more about MR-guided focused ultrasound here.
The CircleOf app can help you and your family as you manage your tremor diagnosis. The CircleOf app has resources, tools and community for caregivers. Download the app to manage a trusted circle of care. Care starts here.
