MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound MRgFUS technology is a non-invasive treatment offered to some patients with movement disorders like Essential Tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease. It takes a more modern approach, with no cuts, stitches, or implants. Instead, MRgFUS utilizes concentrated ultrasound waves, controlled via MRI, to hit a specified location of a patient’s brain to stop their tremors.

For a lot of patients, thinking of a brain procedure can be a lot. It can help to know what to expect, step-by-step, to minimize some of this anxiety.

What Is MRgFUS?

MRgFUS integrates both MRI and Focused Ultrasound. With focused imaging, ultrasound can penetrate and treat a targeted tissue area, while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue.

The procedure is done entirely outside of the skull, making it a very safe option for a large patient population.

Who Is An Ideal Candidate For MRgFUS?

For the majority of patients, MRgFUS is a technology used when tremors have advanced to a point of being disabling, and medication is no longer an option.

You may be considered for an evaluation if you have:

• Essential tremors that interfere with the activities of daily living
• Tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease
• Tremors that prevent you from completing the basic tasks of eating and drinking
• Limited success with therapy drugs

Not all patients are candidates for MRgFUS. It requires a detailed neurological assessment prior to treatment consideration.

What Symptoms Are MRgFUS Recommendations?

Patients are frequently referred to MRgFUS when tremors are significantly disabling to the point of affecting their self-reliance.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent shaking of the hands
• Difficulty holding a cup or spoon
• Problems writing clearly
• Tremors that interfere with dressing or eating
• Reduced quality of life even with medication

These symptoms are evaluated by a movement disorder specialist.

What’s the Process of Diagnosing the Condition?

Before a patient is even considered for MRgFUS, a lot of things are done by the neurology team to make sure the diagnosis is confirmed, as well as the contraindications for the procedure are evaluated.

Some of the things done in the assessment are as follows:

• Taking a comprehensive health and medication history
• Neurological examination
• Assessment of the severity of the tremors
• Brain MRI
• General health assessment

At all times, the convenience and comfort of the patient are considered and taken into account.

A Step-by-Step Process to MRgFUS

Step 1: Getting Familiar with the Process

A consultation with a neurologist to review your symptoms, medical history, and prior management is the first step. If you qualify for MRgFUS, the team will arrange for the procedure.

Step 2: Assessment Prior to the Procedure

During this period, the team performs MRI scans to visualize the target. Also, the team describes the procedure, the potential pros, and the risks of the procedure to you.

Step 3: Actual Procedure Preparation

You are kept awake and responsive for this part of the process. This is so the medical team can monitor your response. Your head is prepared prior to this, so that they can direct the ultrasound waves with precision.

MRgFUS Step 4: Ultrasound Treatment

The patient is placed in the MRI machine in order for the team to focus ultrasound beams on the target area of the brain. MRI machines capture images in real-time and allow the medical team to keep track of the temperature of the brain tissue in the area they are focusing the ultrasound beams. This gives the team a lot of control over treatment and helps keep surrounding brain tissue safe.

MRgFUS Step 5: Immediate Assessment

The medical team is constantly checking to see if the patient’s tremors are improving. Because the patient is conscious, the team can ask them to perform small tasks. For example, the patient may be asked to write or hold a cup.

MRgFUS Step 6: Recovery and Follow-up

Most patients can go home a few hours after their procedure. Follow-up appointments are meant to check on the progress or improvements the patients are experiencing.

MRgFUS Benefits

Patients who qualify for treatment using MRgFUS can experience:

• No cuts on the skin
• No devices are placed in the body
• Treatments are very precise
• Recovery is much faster
• The patient spends a shorter time in the hospital
• Tremor improvement for many patients

Results can vary for the patients who receive help.

Conclusion

Patients who qualify for MRgFUS treatments are able to experience a non-invasive treatment option that is much more precise than other treatment methods. Learning about the phases of treatment helps patients know what to expect and gives them the information they need to help them choose the best options for their health.

Royal Care Neurosciences is a team of experts who focus on improving the quality of life of patients with movement disorders using MRgFUS.

FAQs

1. Is MRgFUS a surgical procedure?

No. MRgFUS is a non-invasive procedure that does not involve cuts, stitches, or implants. It uses focused ultrasound guided by MRI.

2. How long is the MRgFUS procedure?

There are many factors that determine the length of the procedure, but it takes several hours at a minimum. Typically, it takes a while to prepare and then to guide the MRI, and then to be monitored afterwards. Your doctor will provide you with what to expect for your specific case.

3. Who is MRgFUS for?

In general, this procedure is for patients who have Essential Tremor or tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease and who find that their symptoms are not controlled by medications.