New, noninvasive deep brain treatment for essential tremor will be topic of special event on September 17
WHAT:
Since early 2011, neurosurgical circles around the globe have been abuzz with news about a new, noninvasive treatment for essential tremor that is being pioneered in Charlottesville. Early results show the approach, which requires no incisions and uses sound waves to treat a region deep within the brain, is highly promising. Essential tremor is a progressive neurological condition that causes involuntary shaking of the hands, head, voice and other areas of the body. It affects an estimated 10 million Americans.
WHO:
Neurosurgeon W. Jeffrey Elias, MD and his team at the University of Virginia will describe the new approach and the clinical trial results achieved to date. Joining them will be Charlottesville resident John Watterson, a patient treated during the UVA study who will describe his experience. Watterson, who is an author and former adjunct professor at James Madison University, leads the local essential tremor support group that is hosting the event.
WHEN:
Saturday, September 17, 10 a.m. to noon at the Senior Center, 1180 Pepsi Place, Charlottesville, VA 22901. The event is free and open to the public.
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND:
The UVA study is being fully-funded by the Charlottesville-based Focused Ultrasound Surgery Foundation, which is dedicated to accelerating the worldwide development and adoption of focused ultrasound therapies. The Foundation is providing promotional support for this event.