Treatment Stages

In preparation for treatment, your head will be cleanly shaven. This is necessary to so that the focused ultrasound beams have a clear path through the skull and to avoid the chances of getting a scalp burn. You will be given a local numbing medication and a standard stereotactic frame will be secured to your head, to keep you from moving during the treatment.

You may have a urinary catheter placed to drain your bladder during the treatment. Your heart rate, blood pressure and blood oxygen levels will be monitored throughout the procedure. You may be given medication to keep you comfortable. You will lie on the treatment bed which will move in and out of the MRI scanner in the MRI room. You will be conscious, communicating with the physician and nurses in the MRI control room, throughout the treatment.

During the procedure, cool water will be circulated in the helmet that surrounds your head. You will be given a blanket to keep you warm.  You will also be given a “Stop Sonication” button which you can use if for any reason you want to stop the treatment.

A series of MRI images will be taken for planning the treatment according to your specific anatomy.  The treating physician will first apply light doses of ultrasound energy. This helps to identify the spot in the brain for treatment by assessing tremor improvement and any potential side effects.

After each application of energy, called a sonication, you will be asked to perform specific tasks in order to evaluate the tremor improvement. Tasks may include touching your nose with your finger and/or drawing spirals on a board.

The treating physician will then apply high energy to create the permanent lesion.  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 entire treatment will last between 3-4 hours.

After treatment, you will move to the recovery room where the frame will be removed. Your physician will let you know when you can go home and when you will need to return for a follow-up visit. Within days you should be able to return to normal activities.