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Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders

Focused Ultrasound

Harness the power of Ultrasound for the treatment of movement disorders.

Harness the power of Ultrasound for the treatment of Essential Tremors and Parkinson’s Disease.

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound

Focused ultrasound is an FDA-approved therapeutic technique using soundwaves to treat movement disorders like essential tremors and Parkinson’s tremors. The MRI Guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery (MRgFUS) is a non-invasive procedure used by our movement disorder specialists to target the affected area in the brain through MRI and then focus sound waves on the affected area to remove affected brain cells. Normal, healthy brain cells are not harmed.

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How It Works

MRI Guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery (MRgFUS) uses focused ultrasound energy to create lesions in the brain's thalamus without affecting surrounding tissues. This precision reduces the risk of complications associated with traditional surgical methods, such as infection or damage to adjacent brain areas. Patients often report significant improvement in tremor control and can usually resume normal activities quickly after the procedure.

Traditional treatments like medication or deep brain stimulation (DBS) involve invasive procedures or long-term management plans which may not be appropriate for every patient. Medications can have systemic side effects and may become less effective over time.

How Patients Benefit

MRI Guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery (MRgFUS), being incision-less and requiring no implants, presents fewer risks and a faster recovery, making it an attractive option for eligible patients. It is a same-day procedure that lasts around three hours and doesn’t require sedation, meaning you can stay awake throughout the procedure.

However, it's important to note that MRI Guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery (MRgFUS) is not suitable for all patients, and the decision between MRI Guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery (MRgFUS) and other treatments should be made on an individual basis, considering each patient's specific condition, overall health and treatment goals.

For questions or additional information, please call 302-623-3411 or email Melissa.M.Pacheco@ChristianaCare.org.

Find out if you could be a candidate for Focused Ultrasound treatment

Why Focused Ultrasound?

Game Changer

The MRgFUS procedure is a game-changer in the treatment of essential tremors and tremors related to Parkinson’s disease. It provides a treatment option for people best suited for non-invasive neurosurgery and also offers a non-invasive option for all people considering neurosurgery. This is a great option for movement disorder patients with tremors that cannot be controlled by medication and for tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease. This treatment can significantly reduce or even eliminate the tremors.

ChristianaCare is one of the few institutions offering Focused Ultrasound in the United States.


Talk to us and together we can help you get relief from Parkinson's or movement disorders.  

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ChristianaCare is a Comprehensive Center of Excellence, as designated by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. We provide a comprehensive approach to your care by addressing all medical and non-medical needs.
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