23 thoughts on “Talking About Focused Ultrasound with Insightec”

  1. I have head tremor and what I hear about is hand tremor. Would this treatment help with head tremor?

    2. This treatment is not for head tremor, unfortunately. It only treats hand tremor. The Insightec website explains it this way, “As with the entire brain, each half controls the opposite side of the body; the left VIM nucleus controls the right hand, and vice versa. During MRgFUS, only the side that controls a person’s dominant hand is treated.” We have a good article on our website that addresses head tremor. We hope you find some helpful information here. https://essentialtremor.org/wrapping-your-mind-around-head-tremor/

  2. Why can’t both sides of the body be treated at the same time?

    Can the other side of the body having the tremor also be treated at a point in the future, and if so, how long might that be?

    1. These are good questions. Here is what Insightec’s website states: “As with the entire brain, each half controls the opposite side of the body; the left VIM nucleus controls the right hand, and vice versa. During MRgFUS, only the side that controls a person’s dominant hand is treated. Early clinical studies showed that treating both sides at once had a greater risk of side effects. Some research is currently being done to explore the option of treating the opposite side many months after the first treatment, but the safety profile of this lacks long term data.” Here is the link to more information. https://essentialtremortreatment.com/5-frequently-asked-questions-mrgfus-essential-tremor/

  3. Hi Patrick,

    That was a very informative most wonderful podcast. Dr. Desai mentioned that they were currently focusing on unilateral focused Ultrasound, but were researching bilateral Ultrasound. Would you know if this procedure would be available to someone, like my self, that has been treated for the dominant hand with DBS? My other hand has progressively gotten worse over the last 11 years and is causing a great deal of frustration. Thanks Patrick for any information you could share with me. Kindest Regards, Jim Phelan.

    1. Insightec is currently conducting clinical trials on bilateral ultrasound, but there is no timeframe for when they may be completed. Stay tuned. So do you currently still have your DBS device in place?

    2. Thanks Jim.

      I’ve reached out to Insightec to get an answer on your question about DBS. As soon as I hear something I will let you know.

    3. Here is the answer I got from Insightec: “I’m aware of several patients who have had DBS explanted and then a successful FUS procedure. I think it’s up to clinical decision making and the integrity of the target. I believe there are examples also of FUS on one side and DBS on other – but would need to confirm.” So as always I would consult with your movement disorder specialist to discuss this treatment option.

  4. Thank you for the podcast. I have followed the ET advancements for several years now over 6 but have yet to learn about any trials that I could participate in being a single self-employed individual who actually is a caregiver for others it would be so vital for me at only 60 years of age to have this surgery done this treatment. I would love to have someone contact me!

    1. Just click on the triangle shape in the bottom left corner of the “Talking Essential Tremor” picture above.

  6. I live in Spain & my hand tremors I’m both hands have got very much worse, to the point I’m now eating (at home) with my hands! My question is, do you know of any hospitals/clinics that do this procedure in Spain?

  7. I live in Spain & my hand tremors I’m both hands have got very much worse, to the point I’m now eating (at home) with my hands! My question is, do you know of any hospitals/clinics that do this procedure in Spain?

  10. My father had Neuravive FUS hand tremors when he was 89 yrs old, just as it became FDA approved. The reduction in tremor to his hand was immediate. He felt like he had improved by 70-80%. Today he is nearly 92. His tremors have increased considerably and eating and daily functions are difficult. The FUS has not given him long term relief, although I have observed that with effort he can continue to keep his right hand a little steady. He feels the FUS has diminished by 50%.

  11. Is there any research going on regarding this procedure and head tremor, or is there a reason this procedure is not useful in reducing head tremors?

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