Neuravive by the Sperling Neurosurgery Associates

Sperling Neurosurgery Associates offers a new MRI-guided noninvasive treatment that reduces or eliminates the symptoms of Essential Tremor.

Neuravive MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound is a breakthrough in treating Essential Tremor. The Neuravive treatment utilizes high intensity focused ultrasound guided by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Ultrasound is a form of energy that can pass harmlessly through tissue. It does not involve surgery or radiation. Thanks to brain mapping done by our powerful magnet and specialized software, Neuravive focuses 1024 beams of ultrasound energy all pinpointed on a very small brain area, the VIM of the thalamus, that transmits tremor signals. As the focused ultrasound gradually destroys this area, the tremor signals are interrupted. When it is over, the result is an immediate stop or significant reduction in tremors.

For ET patients who no longer respond to medication, Sperling Neurosurgery Associates is pleased to offer the revolutionary advantages of Neuravive. Our expert doctors and staff, using our state-of-the-art equipment, assure a safe and caring Neuravive treatment experience.

 

What is involved in the Neuravive procedure?

The patient lies on a treatment bed that slides into the MRI scanner. The patient wears a special helmet that keeps the head still, and contains the ultrasound delivery system. During the procedure, the patient is awake and fully conscious. Since there are no incisions or holes drilled into the skull, and no insertion of electrodes or probes into the brain, no anesthesia is used and there is no pain. However, a mild sedative may be given to ensure relaxation and comfort.

Our Advanced Neuravive Treatment Protocol

Sperling Neurosurgery Associates follows a rigorous standard of care when treating ET patients using the Neuravive MRgFUS treatment protocol. Download our patient brochure.

  • The goal of treatment is to control tremor on the side of the body where it is worst. This allows minimal-to-no risk of side effects.
  • The entire outpatient procedure takes 3+ hours using a sequence of “sonications” (aiming of ultrasound beams at the target area).
  • Planning and guiding the treatment inside the MRI scanner assures safety and accuracy.
  • The doctor and medical team stay in constant communication with the patient, and monitor the effect of the treatment in controlling tremor.
  • When the treatment is done, success is immediately evident and recovery is rapid.

Follow-Up Care Plan

Because MRgFUS involves no cutting into skin or drilling into the skull to insert probes or implants, most patients recover very rapidly and resume normal activity within a few days. Mild side effects tend to resolve quickly.

However, the Neuravive MRgFUS procedure does not treat the underlying disease nor prevent worsening or progression of the disease. It is essential for patients to follow the Sperling Neurosurgery Associates’ aftercare plan, which is individualized for each patient. Just as important, patients must be in communication with their own physician or neurologist.

MRI-guided Focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) for essential tremor was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July, 2016. Only a doctor can evaluate and qualify an ET patient for treatment using the Neuravive MRgFUS.

Find out how we can help you!

If you or someone you love suffers from essential tremor and you’d like to know more about how we can help, call Sperling Neurosurgery Associates today at (908) 956-5946.

 

The latest news

just published:

Dr. Dan Sperling and Jodi Meyer, a Sperling Neuro patient who received our Neuravive ultrasound treatment for her essential tremors, join The Doctors to discuss how the procedure works, why only one side of the brain is treated, and how life has improved for Jodi post-treatment.

Feature in San Antonio ABC affiliate on the difference between Parkinsons and ET and how Sperling Medical Group's Neuravive treatment is helping patients eliminate their ET symptoms. Read the article »

Sperling Prostate Center Joins MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound Clinical Study. Find out more »

Dr. Sperling speaks at the WPBF 25 Health and Safety Festival with Dr. Mehmet Oz Find out more & watch video »