Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound Treatment for Essential Tremor: A Single-Center Experience

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Essential tremor is the most prevalent hyperkinetic movement disorder.
• Magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is an established second-line treatment option.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report outcomes for the first 108 patients undergoing MRgFUS treatment in Denmark.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of MRgFUS for essential tremor.

Main Methods:

• Data collected in a quality assurance database at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment.
• Treatment efficacy assessed using clinician- and patient-rated scales: Fahn-Marin-Tolosa (FMT) and Patient Global Impression of Change.

Main Results:

• Significant tremor improvement observed across FMT parts A, B, and C at 3 months (P < 0.00001 for all).
• Adverse events reported in 65.7% of patients at 3 months, decreasing to 33.7% at 12 months.

Conclusions:

• The study findings align with existing evidence on MRgFUS for essential tremor.
• Further investigation is needed regarding the long-term persistence of gait and balance-related side effects.