Focused ultrasound eliminates Parkinson's tremors in incisionless procedure

9 articles · Updated · WISH TV Indianapolis, IN · Apr 25

IU Health neurosurgeon Dr David Purger said in Indianapolis the MRI-guided treatment uses about 1,000 ultrasound beams and can leave patients nearly tremor-free within hours.
The procedure destroys a tiny brain area to disrupt abnormal electrical activity, while patients stay awake and provide live feedback during the two-to-three-hour treatment.
Purger said Parkinson's is a progressive neurodegenerative disease linked to dopamine loss, and treatment remains individualized, with medication or surgery still used for other patients and symptoms.

Could focused ultrasound become the new gold standard for Parkinson’s, or are there hidden risks and limitations compared to traditional surgery?

With Medicare coverage expanding, how soon could most Parkinson’s patients nationwide access focused ultrasound, and who might still be left out?