Focused Ultrasound Therapy
Focused ultrasound is a noninvasive, therapeutic technology with the potential to improve the quality of life and decrease the cost of care for patients with orthostatic tremor. This novel technology focuses beams of ultrasound energy precisely and accurately on targets deep in the brain without damaging surrounding normal tissue.
How it Works
Where the beams converge, the ultrasound produces precise ablation (thermal destruction of tissue) enabling orthostatic tremor to be treated without surgery.
Advantages
For certain patients, focused ultrasound could provide a noninvasive alternative therapy with less risk of complications – such as surgical wound healing or infection – at a lower cost. It can reach the desired target without damaging surrounding tissue and is repeatable, if necessary.
Clinical Trials
A clinical trial for patients with orthostatic tremor has begun in Canada.
Regulatory Approval and Reimbursement
Focused ultrasound treatment for orthostatic tremor is not yet approved by regulatory bodies or covered by medical insurance companies.
Notable Papers
1. Award details for research on orthostatic tremor. Robert Chen, MA, MB BChir, MSc, Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network (Toronto, Canada); Modulating Dysfunctional Cerebellar Activity with Low-intensity Focused Ultrasound Stimulation for Primary Orthostatic Tremor https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nord-awards-eleven-new-grants-in-eight-disease-states-for-rare-disease-research-301061911.html
2. Personal communication from overseas investigator indicates that one patient with orthostatic tremor has been treated.
Click here for additional references from PubMed.
