Another Test of Staged, Bilateral Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy in Essential Tremor

Bilateral ultrasound thalamotomy with at least 9 months between procedure sides has succeeded, with limited adverse effects, where bilateral radiofrequency thalamotomy did not.

In patients with essential tremor (ET), unilateral magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound (MR_gFUS) ablation of the ventralis intermedius nucleus of the thalamus effectively reduces tremor on one side, but untreated contralateral or midline symptoms can remain problematic for some patients. Historically, bilateral ablation has carried higher risks, but renewed interest has emerged due to the success of unilateral MR_gFUS. Now a prospective, open-label, multicenter, manufacturer-sponsored trial conducted in the U.S. has tested bilateral ablation in patients with medication-refractory ET who had undergone unilateral MR_gFUS at least 9 months before enrollment.

The trial enrolled 51 participants (86% male; mean age, 73 years). Compared with …

Reviewing Author

Aparna Wagle Shukla, MD

Another Test of Staged, Bilateral Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy in Essential Tremor

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Reviewing Author