What is MR-guided focused ultrasound?
MR-guided focused ultrasound for essential tremor and tremor pre-dominant Parkinson’s disease, is an FDA-approved, non-invasive procedure that’s transforming patient care.
The procedure uses ultrasound waves to target the specific areas of the brain responsible for tremors. Guided by MRI, the soundwaves pass safely through the skull and soft tissues to focus heat on only the targeted area, with the ability to test the location in real-time. The temperature at the target rises high enough to create a small ablation, providing a therapeutic effect with a significant improvement in tremor.
Because the procedure requires no surgical incisions or permanent implants, it carries a low risk of infection and is typically performed on an outpatient basis. Many patients return to normal activities within days, though recovery time may vary by individual.
How does MR-guided focused ultrasound work?
We use focused ultrasound energy to precisely treat the small part of your brain causing your tremor. Because we use ultrasound instead of surgery, this means:
- No incisions: This technology lets us perform brain surgery without cuts. This means minimal risk of infection, and it is an outpatient treatment with no hospital stay.
- Precision: This technology lets us create a small lesion in the exact right place. More than 1,000 ultrasound waves converge on a single spot, just 2 to 3 millimeters, about the size of a pen tip – generating enough heat to form a lesion.
- Real-Time Results: Throughout the procedure, we continuously check for improvement in your tremor, so we know exactly when the treatment is complete.
Eligible candidates
Before your treatment, you will need a CT scan to help confirm that a MR-guided focused ultrasound is a good fit for you. If you have any metallic implants, they will need to be MRI-compatible, since the MRI’s magnetic field is very strong. You will also need to be healthy enough to lie still in the same position for on average 1.5 to 2.5 hours – and your head will need to be fully shaved beforehand.
Why choose us
Dr. Justin Martello is the Chief of Neurology for Central Maryland and specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders. He brings extensive experience with MR-guided focused ultrasound to MedStar Health. He is the only neurologist in the country trained to perform MR-guided focused ultrasound without neurosurgery involvement.
Our location
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MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
9000 Franklin Square Dr. Baltimore, MD 21237