What is MRgFUS?

In simple terms, MRgFUS is a specialized, non-invasive procedure to treat certain movement disorders. Movement disorders that are more commonly treated with MRgFUS include Essential Tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease.

As a non-invasive speciality procedure, MRgFUS requires an extensive consultation process to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for this treatment.

We know that the first medical consultation can be intimidating and nerve-wracking. To calm your nerves and reduce anxiety, we provide the information below to familiarize you with what the consultation process is.

What is the Purpose of an MRgFUS Consultation?

The primary goal of the consultation is to gather more information on your health, confirm your diagnosis, and determine your candidacy for MRgFUS if applicable. Hopefully, with this information, we can recommend more treatment options.

What Happens During an MRgFUS Consultation?

To determine if the treatment is both appropriate and safe, the assessment of your symptoms, medical history, and other health-related concerns is completed by the neurology team.

What are the Symptoms that Require an MRgFUS Consultation?

Daily living is severely affected by the tremors that persist despite the use of all available medications.

Here are some common symptoms:

• Tremors that cause shaking of the hands
• Difficulty with clarity in writing
• Difficulty in coordination when consuming food or drinks
• Difficulty in maintaining a grip on an object to prevent shaking
• Tremors that can affect hobbies or work
• Tremors that can negatively impact the quality of life

These observable symptoms will often lead to a more extensive evaluation from a neurologist.

What does the Diagnostic Process Look Like?

Once a neurologist confirms a diagnosis, MRgFUS can be offered. It is important to have a confirmed diagnosis, as it is not a one-size-fits-all treatment for all neurological disorders.

The diagnostic process can include the following:

• A description of the observable symptoms
• Obtaining a history of past and present medical issues
• An examination of the nervous system
• An evaluation of the severity of the tremors
• A brain MRI
• An evaluation of past and present medications
• A general health assessment

What Can Be Expected in the First Consultation?

A Description of the Symptoms That Are Concerning

The consultation will often be focused on the symptoms being observed and the tremors. The neurologist will want to know the time of onset of the tremors, how the symptoms have progressed, and how the tremors impact your daily life. The description can also include the conditions of onset, or if the symptoms are triggered or made better by certain activities.

What Can Be Expected in the Physical and Neurological Examination?

The assessment will include an observation of your movements and a description of the symptoms. You will also be assessed for the severity of the tremors by being asked to draw, write or hold a cup.

What Can Be Expected in the Assessment of Previous Treatment Options?

The neurologist will want to know what medications you have previously been on, and if the tremors have been managed satisfactorily, as a means to determine if MRgFUS should be included in the treatment options.

The Role of MRI and Further Assessments

MRI is an important imaging modality when planning an MRgFUS procedure. MRI allows for an accurate depiction of the brain and further helps to exclude other possible pathologies.

Further assessment may also be required based on your general health.

Determining Eligibility

The MRgFUS procedure may be explained in more detail by the neurologist when the results of the assessments are available. The possibility of MRgFUS will depend on your diagnosis, age, health status, medical history, and the likely outcome of the procedure.

Your doctor will give you other options if they believe MRgFUS is not the most suitable approach.

Consultation Queries

The neurologist will be happy to answer any queries you may have regarding the MRgFUS procedure. Some examples may be:

• Am I appropriate for MRgFUS?
• What is the expected outcome?
• What are the risks and adverse effects?
• What is the preparation and planning?
• What is the recovery time?
• What will the aftercare be?

All of these questions help you to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed treatment.

Things to Do Prior to the Consultation

Things that you can bring along to a consultation that can help are a list of current medications, older and recent medical imaging reports and medical records. A list of current complaints, their duration and frequency will help to clarify the reason for your consultation to the neurologist.

It is a good idea to have a family member or close friend accompany you to the consultation due to their ability to recall additional important information as well as their ability to pose questions that you may not have thought of.

Conclusion

Taking part in an MRgFUS consultation goes beyond attending a meeting to discuss options for a procedure. It comprises a series of evaluations that aim to verify your diagnosis, identify your symptoms, and establish whether this sophisticated, non-invasive procedure would be beneficial to your health. In-depth evaluations guarantee that patients receive a treatment that is best suited for their needs.

Our dedicated team of neurologists and neurosurgeons offer in-depth evaluations and MRgFUS treatment at Royal Care Neurosciences. This is aimed at eligible patients suffering from movement disorders. We provide individualized treatment to improve patients’ mobility and decrease the intensity of their tremors at all stages of the treatment process – from the initial consultation through to the follow-up visits.

FAQs

1. Who should consider an MRgFUS consultation?

This consultation should be considered by patients suffering from Essential Tremor or the tremor-dominant form of Parkinson’s Disease who have not gained sufficient control of their symptoms through drug therapy.

2. Will I have an MRI before MRgFUS?

Yes. An MRI is an important part of the assessment and helps to determine your eligibility for the procedure, to rule out other conditions, and to refine the treatment plan.

3. Does an MRgFUS consultation mean I will definitely have the procedure?

No. There are many other treatment options available for your condition, and your neurologist will help guide and advise you through your other treatment options.