What is Essential Tremor?

Essential tremor (ET) is a brain condition that is thought to arise from abnormal electrical brain activity. This leads to uncontrollable shaky movements (tremors) of the hands, limbs, head or voice. It is the most common movement disorder. It can resemble tremors that are symptoms of other conditions, but in fact it is not connected with any other disease. While it usually starts as mild shakiness, often on one side of the body, it is a permanent condition that can worsen over time. Essential tremor is more pronounced during intentional movement such as performing tasks with the hands, and less noticeable when at rest. It is not life-threatening, but if the tremors become severe, ET lessens a person’s quality of life. Daily activity such as drinking from a glass or cup, shaving, writing or typing, buttoning clothes or tying shoelaces can become difficult–even impossible. For those whose jobs depend on hand coordination, it can interfere with their ability to work.

Essential Tremor FAQs






For more information, download the Patient Handbook from the International Essential Tremor Foundation

 

Treating Essential Tremor at Sperling Neurosurgery Associates

 

MRgFUS Neuravive by Sperling Neurosurgery Associates

Neuravive MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a new, noninvasive way to control Essential Tremor by correcting it at its source in the brain. It is used when medication no longer works, or a patient does not wish to use medication. Focused ultrasound treatment for essential tremor was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July, 2016.

Sperling Neurosurgery Associates offers the state-of-the-are Neuravive MRgFUS treatment.

Learn more about Neuravive MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) >>

Neuravive by Sperling Neurosurgery Associates

Neuravive MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound is a breakthrough, non-invasive treatment that reduces or eliminates the symptoms of ET. It is based on MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) that 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 1,024 beams of ultrasound energy all pinpointed on the very small brain area that is responsible for the tremor, gradually destroying the targeted area. Since the Neuravive procedure is done inside the MRI “bore” (tunnel), high resolution imaging monitors the treatment. When it is over, the result can be an immediate and significant reduction in tremors.

During the procedure, the patient is awake. There are no incisions or holes drilled into the skull, and there is no insertion of electrodes or probes into the brain. Instead, ultrasound waves pass through the brain until they meet at a very small point in the brain (VIM of the thalamus). When the waves intersect at the VIM, they create a tiny ablation or burn. This interrupts the tremor signals. The whole procedure is conducted inside the MRI scanner, enabling the physician to plan, guide, and target the area easily. It also enables precise measurement of the temperature in order to verify that only the intended tissue is targeted and destroyed.

Neuravive is FDA approved. It has been clinically tested, and found to lessen or eliminate Essential Tremor for a minimum of 12 months for nearly 80% of patients. The same study found that MRgFUS produced the fewest side effects at 1 year after treatment when compared with Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and radiofrequency thalamotomy.

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 »