Referring Physicians: MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound Treatment

MR-guided focused ultrasound is a safe, incisionless treatment designed to reduce hand tremor. It targets a specific area of the brain with high-intensity focused ultrasound, guided by magnetic resonance imaging.

Rush was the first facility in the region and is currently the only one in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan and Missouri to offer this innovative procedure. Our team of neurologists and neurosurgeons has used this approach in more than 300 cases over four years, and they have the expertise to evaluate each patient and determine whether it is their best treatment option. Rush is also a training center for clinicians across the country looking to start their own programs, and it regularly participates in clinical trials that can give patients access to new therapies.

MR-guided focused ultrasound is FDA-approved to provide treatment for essential tremor and parkinsonian tremor and Parkinson’s disease. During the procedure, sound waves are directed from several angles toward the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus. When these sound waves come together in the target, they generate sufficient heat to make a tiny lesion, resulting in a therapeutic effect.

Who Are Ideal Candidates for MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound Treatment at Rush?

MR-guided focused ultrasound can work for patients who meet several criteria, including the following:

They are at least 22 years old with essential tremor or 30 years old with parkinsonian tremor.
Their symptoms do not respond to medications or other therapies.
They have reasonably good balance.
They are not claustrophobic.
They have a good home support system.

Our team of neurologists and neurosurgeons will apply any other criteria and perform a CT scan and full evaluation to determine if a patient is a good candidate.

Why Refer Patients Here for MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound Treatment?

Noninvasive procedure: Much like surgical treatment has done for years, this technique targets the thalamus or basal ganglia. But it does so without the need for surgery or radiation exposure and is an outpatient procedure. Patients can go home the same day they receive treatment.
Immediate results: Although individual results may vary, most patients who have the procedure experience immediate, significant reduction in their symptoms, usually by about 70% to 80%. This can greatly improve their quality of life and ability to perform daily tasks.
Sustained improvement: The majority of patients see lasting improvement of symptoms for more than three years after treatment. The procedure can also be repeated if needed.
Nationally renowned care: U.S. News & World Report includes Rush on its Best Hospitals Honor Roll and ranks us among the nation's best for neurology and neurosurgery. As a Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence, Rush is part of a group of the world's leading Parkinson's programs, with specialists who are renowned for outstanding research, care and outreach.

What Is the Process for Referring a Patient?

To refer your patient, please call (312) 563-2032 or send an email to neurofus@rush.edu. Rush has a dedicated MR-guided focused ultrasound program coordinator who is available to speak with you or your patient directly and arrange a consultation. Patients are generally seen within a few days and no longer than two weeks.