Focused ultrasound shows promise for essential tremor treatment

Magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is an effective second-line treatment for essential tremor, showing significant symptom improvement in patients, according to a study. However, side effects—particularly those related to gait and balance—remain a concern, requiring further long-term evaluation.

The procedure, considered a second-line therapy, was assessed using the Fahn-Marin-Tolosa (FMT) scale and patient-reported outcomes at baseline and follow-ups at 3, 6, and 12 months in 108 patients.

There was a notable reduction in tremor severity, with mean FMT score improvements of 6.39 to 26.45 points across different assessment categories at 3 months (P < 0.00001). Side effects were reported in 65.7% of patients at 3 months, decreasing to 33.7% by 12 months.

Reference
Hvingelby VS, Kjeldsen P, Bergholt B, et al. Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound Treatment for Essential Tremor: A Single-Center Experience. Mov Disord Clin Pract. 2025;doi: 10.1002/mdc3.70012. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39968962.