Treatment with transcranial focused ultrasound energy is administered with incremental increases in energy until patients achieve a reduction of tremor. Those undergoing treatment with the MRI-guided device lie in an MRI scanner that takes images to help a doctor identify the targeted area in the brain’s thalamus for treatment. To determine if the ExAblate Neuro treatment is appropriate, patients should first have MR and computerized tomography (CT) scans. If medications fail to control symptoms, the condition may also be treated with surgery (thalamotomy) or a deep brain stimulation device to destroy the tiny part of the brain (thalamus) that controls some involuntary movements. Essential tremor may be treated with beta blockers or anticonvulsant drugs. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, several million Americans, usually those over age 40, are affected by the condition. “As with other treatments for essential tremor, this new device is not a cure but could help patients enjoy a better quality of life.”Įssential tremor, also called benign essential tremor, is the most common form of tremor. “Patients with essential tremor who have not seen improvement with medication now have a new treatment option that could help them to avoid more invasive surgical treatments,” said Carlos Peña, Ph.D., M.S., director of the division of neurological and physical medicine devices in the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. ExAblate Neuro uses magnetic resonance (MR) images taken during the procedure to deliver focused ultrasound to destroy brain tissue in a tiny area thought to be responsible for causing tremors. Food and Drug Administration today approved the first focused ultrasound device to treat essential tremor in patients who have not responded to medication. Pouratian about focused ultrasound or other essential tremor treatment options, please call us at 21 or simply fill out our online contact form.The U.S. If you are allergic to certain contrast agents – a dye used during the imaging process.If you are claustrophobic and unable to be in the MRI for the duration of the procedure.If you have extensive scarring on the scalp.If you have had a recent myocardial infarction (heart attack) or have congestive heart failure (fluid around the heart), unstable angina pectoris (chest pain), or spinal conditions. If you are not generally healthy enough to withstand the treatment and lie still in the same position for. (Any metallic implants must be non-magnetic to prevent injury to the patient from the MR’s strong magnetic field.) If you have any kind of metallic implants, such as pacemakers, neurostimulators, spine or bone fixationĭevices, total joints, metal clips, screws, etc.Possible reasons why you may not be a candidate for this procedure: Because the procedure is done using an MRI scanner, there is a physical weight limit, generally in the range of 300 lbs.You’ve tried at least one medication to treat your essential tremor and it either did not help or you have undesirable consequences.You have a confirmed diagnoses of essential tremor.The following are requirements to be a candidate for the focused ultrasound treatment:
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