Closing Out the Year with Progress: Focused Ultrasound Offers a New Path for Tremor Relief 

This time of year often brings a focus on daily routines and quality of life, and for those living with tremor disorders, a new treatment option is offering a meaningful step forward. 

Focused ultrasound is an advanced procedure that uses precisely targeted ultrasound waves, guided in real time by MRI imaging, to treat a small area of the brain involved in tremor. Instead of requiring an incision or an implanted device, the procedure delivers energy from outside the skull. This allows neurosurgeons to reach deep brain targets with a high level of accuracy. 

Patients see noticeable improvement during the procedure itself, with tremor reduction visible the same day. Because there are no surgical incisions involved, recovery is typically easier than traditional approaches and people return home within hours. 

Focused ultrasound is not the right option for everyone, and a thorough evaluation is essential. At UT Health San Antonio, our movement disorders specialists take time to walk each patient through the process, reviewing symptoms, medical history, neurological exam, and imaging to help them fully understand their options from medicines through focused ultrasound or deep brain stimulation. Our team supports individuals and their families at each step so they can make informed decisions with confidence. Focused ultrasound offers a promising treatment choice that can provide immediate relief, especially for people whose tremor interferes with daily life despite medication. 

As we close out the year, focused ultrasound stands out as an important step forward in tremor care. It is a precise, safe, image-guided treatment that expands options and brings real relief within reach. 

Learn more about focused ultrasound or schedule a consultation with our multidisciplinary movement disorders team.