Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition characterized by motor symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and slowness of movement. The ongoing search for advanced treatments to manage these symptoms continues to evolve. Focused Ultrasound (FUS) has emerged as a non-invasive therapy, a notable development in Parkinson’s treatment options.
Understanding Focused Ultrasound for Parkinson’s
Focused Ultrasound (FUS) is an incisionless procedure that utilizes highly concentrated sound waves. It precisely targets and treats specific areas deep within the brain, eliminating the need for traditional surgical incisions. This FDA-approved technology offers an alternative to more invasive interventions. Unlike deep brain stimulation (DBS), FUS does not involve implanting hardware. It aims to provide symptomatic relief by creating thermal lesions in brain regions associated with motor symptoms.
How Focused Ultrasound Works
Focused Ultrasound generates high-intensity waves from a transducer array, focusing them to converge at a specific point deep inside the brain. This convergence creates a localized thermal lesion in dysfunctional brain regions responsible for Parkinson’s motor symptoms. For example, the ventral intermediate (VIM) nucleus of the thalamus is a common target for alleviating tremor, while the globus pallidus interna (GPi) is targeted for dyskinesia and rigidity.
The procedure relies on real-time Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) guidance to precisely direct the ultrasound beams and monitor brain tissue temperature during treatment. This real-time feedback ensures accurate targeting and minimizes damage to surrounding healthy brain tissue. The sound waves are non-ionizing and pass safely through the skull, concentrating their energy only at the focal point to disrupt abnormal electrical activity. This process results in a permanent change at the targeted site.
Patient Eligibility and Expected Outcomes
Focused Ultrasound is considered for individuals with Parkinson’s disease whose motor symptoms are not adequately controlled by medication. This often includes patients with tremor-dominant Parkinson’s or those experiencing medication-induced dyskinesia. Initially, the treatment was approved for unilateral (one-sided) application. However, a recent FDA approval in 2025 allows for staged bilateral treatment, where the second side can be treated at least six months after the initial procedure.
Expected outcomes of FUS include an immediate reduction in targeted motor symptoms. Studies have shown immediate tremor improvement in a high percentage of patients, with sustained improvement over time. While FUS can improve quality of life by reducing symptoms like tremor, rigidity, and dyskinesia, it does not cure Parkinson’s disease or halt its progression. The treatment addresses specific motor symptoms but does not impact all aspects of the disease.
Potential Side Effects and Considerations
While Focused Ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure, it carries potential side effects. Many side effects are temporary and may include numbness or tingling in the lips or fingers, balance issues, speech changes, or gait disturbances. These temporary effects may last for days or weeks following the treatment.
Rarely, some side effects may be permanent, such as persistent numbness, tingling, or gait disturbance. Careful patient selection, precise targeting guided by MRI, and continuous real-time monitoring during the procedure minimize these risks. The recovery period after FUS is short, with many patients able to return to normal activities within a few days. Patients typically stay overnight in the hospital or return home the same day. Follow-up care is important to monitor progress and manage any lingering effects.