MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound

MRI-guided focused ultrasound is an exciting technology for treating tremor without the need for an incision or anesthesia.

The procedure uses sound waves from an ultrasound array to create a tiny lesion in the brain in the circuit responsible for causing tremor. Tremor relief is immediate, and the procedure is performed as an outpatient, meaning that there is no overnight hospital stay.

Focused ultrasound is a form of thalamotomy, and it can be used for patients with essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease. It is an alternative to deep brain stimulation (DBS). I have a particular interest and specialized training in thalamotomy, and I am the director of movement disorder surgery at Swedish Medical Center.

If you live near Denver and have essential tremor or Parkinson’s Disease, please consider meeting me in consultation to learn about your treatment options. Unfortunately, focused ultrasound is not currently covered by insurance for Parkinson’s Disease; I am therefore not accepting referrals of PD patients for this procedure, unless cash-pay is an option for you.

If you are thinking about focused ultrasound or are planning to have the procedure with me, you can find a copy of my focused ultrasound patient guide/instructions here. You can also read the education packets I provide to patients meeting me in consultation for essential tremor and Parkinson’s Disease.