What is MRI Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)?
MRI Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a treatment method for essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease at various stages, and movement disorders. This procedure is performed in an outpatient clinic, requiring no anesthesia or hospital stay, and takes only two to three hours at most. It is considered a safe and effective treatment. Here are some symptoms that may indicate the need for MRgFUS:
● Tumors and severe body pain
● Parkinson’s disease at different stages
● Severe tremors and movement disorders
● Severe muscle tension
● Cases of nerve pain and strokes
● Trigeminal neuralgia
● Experiencing psychological disorders
Benefits of MRI Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)
MRI Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)
helps many individuals manage various diseases and control their symptoms,
allowing those suffering from severe symptoms to live more comfortably. Here
are the key benefits you can expect from undergoing MRI Guided Focused
Ultrasound:
●
Relief from severe nerve pain
●
Reduction in tremors and movement difficulties
●
Alleviation of Parkinson’s disease symptoms
●
Treatment of strokes and severe muscle tension
●
Treatment of severe tumors in the body
MRgFUS has many possible applications, from treating tumours and bone metastasis to pain management.
The entire process is non-invasive and requires no surgical incisions or anesthesia. Instead, it uses sound waves, which can be focused on a particular area without having to break through any skin or muscle tissue.
By reducing the severity of symptoms and improving overall function, MRgFUS can improve the quality of life for patients with movement disorders.
MRgFUS is typically performed as a day procedure, allowing patients to resume regular activities faster without having any lasting negative effects from their procedure.
MRI monitors and controls the sound waves, ensuring that only the targeted tissue is heated and the adjacent healthy tissue is spared.
Because MRgFUS does not involve cutting into tissues or implanting a device, patients may experience less pain or discomfort than traditional surgical methods.
The most common complication after the procedure is ataxia or impaired coordination. Patients may experience slurred speech and difficulty walking, swallowing, and eye movements. But these side effects often resolve with time. Your movement disorder neurologist will discuss other serious complications associated with the procedure.
Other side effects of MRgFUS
Patients can expect to undergo a few diagnostic scans and tests. This includes an MRI scan to get an image of the brain and measure the size and shape of the thalamus. The neurologist could also perform a neurological examination and assess the severity of your tremor and other neurological condition. You will receive instructions on preparing for the procedure, such as fasting and avoiding certain medications.
The procedure is performed inside an MRI scanner. You will be awake during the procedure but may receive a mild sedative to help you relax. The Neurosurgeon will put a stereotactic frame around the skull under local anaesthetics. MRI enables the Focused Ultrasound treating team to visualize the targeted area and ensure that the correct tissue is being treated. The ultrasound waves are directed to specific areas of the brain that are causing the tremors and other symptoms.
Our team of experts will monitor you in the recovery room to ensure there are no immediate adverse effects from the procedure. After evaluating your neurological status, the neurologist will decide if you can be allowed to go home. You may experience temporary side effects such as headache, fatigue, or slight imbalance, which should resolve within a few days.
Tremor symptoms may improve within a few days or weeks after the procedure. Patients report over 70 per cent improvement in their symptoms three months after the procedure. Follow-up appointments are arranged with your neurologist to monitor your progress and assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
Melbourne Neurocare is one of the few clinics that offer MRgFUS. We are fully equipped to diagnose and treat various movement disorders and neurological conditions with precision and accuracy. To schedule an appointment with our movement disorder neurologists, call us!