Guide To Essential Tremor Treatment

Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy

An essential tremor patient may have a focused ultrasound thalamotomy to help treat their symptoms if other methods are ineffective. A traditional thalamotomy involves open and invasive surgery that carries numerous risks and requires a form of physical penetration into the skull bones. Focused ultrasound thalamotomy accomplishes the same result as a thalamotomy but in a noninvasive and much safer way. Focused ultrasound thalamotomy does not require the use of anesthesia, incisions, burr holes in the skull, incisions in the scalp, or the insertion of electrodes into the brain. No forms of radiation are used on the patient during focused ultrasound thalamotomy, and there are no risks associated with bleeding or post-procedural infections. The procedure itself is done with the guidance of an MRI machine to maintain accuracy and takes between three and four hours in most cases. The procedure should be painless, but some patients experience discomfort due to claustrophobic conditions and will need light sedation to remain comfortable throughout.