Am I a Candidate for MRgFUS?

MRgFUS is FDA approved for the treatment of patients with essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson disease. It can only be used to treat one side of the brain (usually the dominant hand) even if tremor is present on both sides.  MRgFUS is not yet FDA approved to treat both sides. If first line medications (primidone and propranolol) fail to adequately control your tremor, your doctor may consider recommending either MRgFUS, deep brain stimulation, or radiosurgical thalamotomy. Compared to other surgical treatments for essential tremor, no device implant is needed, no incision is required, and the treatment works immediately. To read more about What to Expect During Consultation for Essential Tremor, click here.

How do I know if I am eligible for treatment?

Your doctor is the best person to ask about this. He or she will be able to tell you if you are a suitable candidate. In general, people who cannot go into an MRI will not be able to go through the treatment - this includes patients with metallic implants, patients who are claustrophobic and patients who are allergic to contrast agents - a dye used during MR imaging, patients who are over 300 lbs and patients who are under 22 years of age.

• If you have any kind of metallic implants, such as pacemakers, neurostimulators, spine or bone fixation devices, total joints, metal clips, screws, etc., you may not be a candidate. Any metallic implants must be non-magnetic to prevent injury to the patient from the MR’s strong magnetic field.
• If you are not generally healthy enough to withstand the treatment and lie still in the same position for approximately 3 hours, you may not be a suitable candidate for this treatment.
• If you have had a recent myocardial infarction (heart attack) or have congestive heart failure (fluid around the heart), unstable angina pectoris (chest pain), or spinal conditions, are you should discuss these issues with your doctor.
• If you have extensive scarring on the scalp, you may not be a good candidate.
• If you have any tumors inside the skull, you may not be a good candidate.
• If you are on dialysis, you may not be a good candidate.
• If you have an active infection or severe hematological, neurological or other uncontrolled disease, you may not be a good candidate.