Now You See It, Now You Don’t: Focused Ultrasound Makes a Magician’s Tremor Disappear
Key Points
- Howard had perfected his skills as a magician for decades, but essential tremor brought his business to a halt.
- Focused ultrasound treatment relieved his tremors, and he can once again do the close up magic and card tricks he enjoys.
Howard Faber, who is known as “The Magic Man” in the Detroit area, brings wonder to children and families through sleight of hand. The 76-year-old magician transformed his passion for entertaining others into a thriving business perplexing audiences at birthday parties and family events while also working for decades selling electrical supplies. But essential tremor eventually put both jobs at risk.
“At work when I was writing up orders, my hand would shake a little bit. I didn’t really think too much of it, but my doctor referred me to a neurologist.”
The neurologist confirmed that Howard had essential tremor, a condition that gradually worsened over the years. What started as a mild shake eventually became impossible to ignore, especially in the precise world of magic.
“I couldn’t do close-up magic anymore. I couldn’t do card tricks.”
As the tremor progressed, everyday tasks became just as difficult as performing. Getting dressed, eating, even signing his own name required effort.
“My wife had to button my shirt for me. I couldn’t eat soup without wearing it on my clothes.”
The emotional toll was equally heavy. During one performance, an audience member misunderstood what she was seeing.
“My hand was shaking so badly that one lady accused me of being drunk at a magic show. That was really upsetting and prompted me to go back to the neurologist to try medications to manage the tremor.”
When the medications resulted in bad side effects and nightmares, his neurologist discussed other treatment options, including deep brain stimulation and focused ultrasound. However, at that time, focused ultrasound was not covered by Medicare.
For a while, Howard simply carried on as best he could. After the COVID-19 pandemic paused his performances, he began focusing more seriously on his health, including undergoing bariatric surgery and losing weight. Eventually, he returned to his neurologist to revisit treatment for his tremor.
That was when he learned that MRI-guided focused ultrasound had been approved by Medicare.
“I immediately said, ‘Let’s do it.’ I was ready.”
On the day of the procedure, Howard’s head was shaved* and a head frame was secured to deter movement within the MRI scanner.
“That was the most uncomfortable thing about the whole procedure.”
Once inside the MRI scanner, doctors aimed at a tiny target in Howard’s brain that was causing the tremor. Throughout the treatment, the medical team repeatedly tested his hand movements, asking him to draw spirals and straight lines to monitor the effects in real time.
Then came the moment everything changed.
“The tremor in my left hand was totally gone. They had me draw the spiral right after the procedure. I was right within the lines, and it literally brought me to tears.”
After years of struggling to control his hand, the difference was immediate and overwhelming.
Howard quickly returned to performing magic shows and rebuilding the active schedule he once feared he had lost forever.
“I started doing shows right after. I’m almost back to pre-COVID levels now doing shows.”
Today, many of the tasks he once dreaded have become manageable again.
“It just gave me my life back. I could hardly sign my name, which I’m able to do now. You can go back to handwriting. I couldn’t handwrite in cursive at all.”
The treatment restored more than steadier hands. It restored confidence, independence, and the ability to continue the craft he has loved since childhood.
“I would recommend this to anybody. It changed my whole outlook on life and everything. It literally gives you your life back.”
*Patients’ heads must be shaved before a focused ultrasound procedure to eliminate any air bubbles that may become trapped by the hair, as ultrasound does not travel through air.
This patient story was adapted from Howard’s Curing with Sound podcast episode.
All patient stories are personal accounts of an individual’s experience with focused ultrasound treatment. Please be aware that each patient’s situation is unique, and outcomes may vary. The information provided in this story should not be considered as medical advice or a guarantee of specific results. It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to discuss your condition and determine the best treatment options for you. The Focused Ultrasound Foundation does not endorse any specific treatment or medical procedure and encourages all patients to seek professional medical guidance tailored to their individual needs.