Parkinson's disease treatment with focused ultrasound surgery

Focused ultrasound surgery is an innovative, non-invasive treatment for Parkinson's disease. This therapy uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to target and treat specific brain areas responsible for the disease's symptoms. The treatment is surgical and provided on an inpatient basis. The main goals of this operation are to alleviate the tremors, rigidity, and slow movement, by reducing disability and enhancing mobility. In addition, it offers fewer complications and faster recovery than traditional surgery. First, the patient undergoes a standard clinical evaluation to ensure their suitability for the procedure. Next, the patient is placed under general anesthesia and undergoes real-time MRI imaging to identify the target area in the brain. Ultrasound surgery does not require incisions or implants, avoiding the risk of infection and bleeding. High-intensity ultrasound waves are directed at the targeted brain tissue, creating a small, controlled lesion in the targeted brain tissue, disrupting the abnormal brain circuitry responsible for the symptoms. Precise targeting due to MRI guidance minimizes damage to surrounding tissue. After the procedure, the patient receives symptomatic treatment. Focused ultrasound surgery is used for patients with Parkinson's disease who have not had improvement with medications or are unsuitable candidates for deep brain stimulation. Ultrasound treatment can be used alone or combined with medications to manage symptoms.