MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound

Helping You Find Essential Tremor Relief

If everyday tasks, such as signing your name or tying your shoes, become challenging because of essential tremor, MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) can give you peace of mind and relief — and hope for a better tomorrow.

Our team is ready to help you or a loved one regain your strength and confidence so that you can get back to the life you love. Let’s get started.

What to Know About MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound

MR-guided focused ultrasound is a noninvasive, nonsurgical procedure that uses radiofrequency to destroy a highly targeted area of brain tissue without harming adjacent tissue. This procedure is performed without harming adjacent tissue, while you’re awake.

Request a Consultation With a Neurology Specialist

Whether you’re experiencing new symptoms or were recently diagnosed, the compassionate neurological care you need is close to home. Request a visit with one of our experienced neurology specialists to begin a personalized treatment plan that supports your whole health.

Request a Consultation

Know What to Expect and See the Success

Hear from our neurosurgeons about what to expect with MR-guided focused ultrasound and how it has helped people like Scotty find immediate relief from essential tremor.

What to Expect with MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound: In this four-minute video, our surgical team explains this incisionless procedure and how it can provide you with relief right away.

Scotty’s Story of Relief Within Reach: Scotty had been living with essential tremor in both hands for over 50 years. He sought help from our team, and we performed the innovative MR-guided focused ultrasound procedure for him in one outpatient session. This incisionless treatment gave him instant relief in both hands, and today, he’s living free of tremors and is back to doing the activities he loves most.

Showing 1 of 2

Devoting All Our Expertise to Helping You Heal

Your healing is our whole focus. From clinical trials that develop new treatments to leading-edge technologies that mean a smoother recovery, we’re dedicated to raising the bar for neurological care with your whole health in mind. Explore how we’ll support you and your loved ones with the most advanced care and the utmost compassion.

Hispanic woman with long braided hair sitting in a black lounge chair by an indoor pool, smiling while reviewing papers and using a laptop in a bright modern facility

Resources

From support groups and educational guides to caregiver support, financial assistance and more, we offer a range of resources to help you and your loved ones better understand and manage your condition.

View Our Resources
A smiling nurse assists a patient lying on a bed next to a large MRI machine.

Research

Innovative care starts with medical research. See how we’re developing new treatments and procedures, leading concussion and brain injury-related studies, conducting clinical trials for stroke care and more.

Discover Our Research
Modern surgical operating room featuring da Vinci robotic surgical system with overhead surgical lights, multiple monitors, medical equipment carts, and advanced technology in a clean, well-lit environment

Technology

Explore how we use robotic technologies, precise therapies and leading-edge techniques to care for epilepsy, eliminate masses with less pain, treat brain tumors in a matter of hours and much more.

See Our Technology

Answering Your Questions About MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound

If you’re living with essential tremor, we’re here to help you find relief. Your care team will start by taking the time to answer all your questions — offering more detailed answers to the ones below, if needed — to help you feel informed, comfortable and confident on your path to feeling whole again.

  • Can I eat before the procedure, and do I need to stop any medications?

    You shouldn’t eat or drink anything for eight hours before your MR-guided focused ultrasound procedure. For medications, follow this guidance:

    • Aspirin and any anti-inflammatory medications (including ibuprofen and naproxen) must be stopped three days before the procedure.
    • Blood-thinning medications like warfarin, Plavix and Xarelto must be stopped three days before the procedure and may be resumed three days afterward.
    • The last dose of your essential tremor medication should be taken 12 hours before the procedure and may be resumed the next morning.

    You may continue to take the remainder of your medications without interruption.

  • What happens in the pre-operative area?

    In the pre-procedure area, a nurse will take your vital signs and place an IV. Your head will be shaved, and a headframe will be placed on it to keep it from moving. Local numbing medicine will be applied to the areas where the pins will sit. A silicone membrane will be placed on your head to seal the space and allow the cool water to circulate.

  • What should I expect during and after the procedure?

    During your MR-guided focused ultrasound, you'll remain awake to achieve optimal treatment results. You’ll be asked to write, draw and perform hand motions during the procedure. Positioning during the operation may cause neck discomfort, but this should be temporary.

    Continue Reading

  • How long does the procedure last?

    The procedure may last three to four hours in the radiology imaging suite. You’ll be awake for the procedure and lying on your back. Afterward, you’ll stay in the radiology area while you recover.

  • Will I have an incision on my head?

    No, there will be no incisions. The treatment is done using an ultrasound machine. Your entire head will be shaved, and you may have adhesive bandages applied to the areas where the headframe was attached.

  • How long does the treatment take to become effective?

    You should notice improvement with your tremor immediately after the procedure.

  • How long do I have to stay in the hospital, and when is my follow-up appointment?

    You’ll be discharged from the hospital once you fully recover from the procedure, which typically takes four to five hours. You’ll receive printed discharge instructions and must have someone drive you home after the procedure. You won’t be able to drive for two weeks.

    Continue Reading

Find Minimally Invasive Brain Surgery Care Near You

Your faster, safer recovery is our whole focus. That’s why our experts across the AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute network use a full array of minimally invasive procedures and techniques for brain surgery whenever possible, helping you heal with less pain and a quicker return to the life you love. Explore your options for care close to home with the guidance of our dedicated team. We’ll help you find the right fit, so you’re in the best setting to get the care you need.