If you think you might be a Focused Ultrasound candidate, or if you would like more information on this treatment, please contact us by filling out our form.

UHS recently announced the launch of our focused ultrasound program to treat essential tremor, a common movement disorder affecting an estimated ten million Americans. The state-of-the-art, incisionless and minimally invasive focused ultrasound treatment uses ultrasound energy guided by MRI to target and treat the area of the brain that is the source of tremor.

REGAIN CONTROL: Focused Ultrasound for a Tremor-Free Tomorrow

UHS is excited to be the first and only healthcare system in Upstate New York offering incisionless Focused Ultrasound treatment (FUS) for essential tremor. UHS has the most advanced version of FUS technology available, providing higher image quality, more precise targeting and potentially reduced procedure time.

Essential tremor is characterized by uncontrollable shaking for brief periods on one or both sides of the body that may worsen with time and during purposeful movement, and often goes undiagnosed and untreated until it progresses. It can significantly impact quality of life and ability to complete day-to-day activities. Unfortunately, some patients do not respond to medications or find their medication decreases in effectiveness over time.

Focused Ultrasound is a minimally invasive treatment for patients who have not responded to medication. It uses sound waves guided by MRI to treat the source of the tremor with no incisions or permanent implants.

Benefits for Patients

Tremor improvement
Incisionless
Treats both sides
Quick recovery, with patients returning home the same day
One treatment session
Outpatient procedure
No anesthesia or radiation

Is the treatment an option for me?

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of Essential Tremor that are impacting your quality of life, or your tremor is not responding to medication, contact UHS to discuss screening and treatment options.

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VIDEO: What is focused ultrasound treatment?

Hear from our Chief of Neurosciences, Dr. Simone Betchen, as she shares how Focused Ultrasound for essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease can be life-changing for patients.

News Coverage

UHS works to relieve essential tremors
WIVT/WBGH - 10/25/2024

UHS now offers incision-less, focused ultrasound treatment for patients with essential tremor
WBNG - 10/23/2024

UHS Offering New Treatment for Those with Essential Tremors
WICZ - 10/16/2024

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I’m interested but live far away?

UHS is pleased to offer virtual health visits for your initial screening and consultation, as well as your post-procedure follow-up two to four weeks following your treatment. You will need to be in person in Vestal, NY for the day of the actual Focused Ultrasound procedure.

Is there an upper age limit?

No, there is no upper age limit for the procedure, but you must be at least 22 years old. There are patients over the age of 90 that have been successfully treated. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, are able to be in an MRI scanner, can communicate and have essential tremor or tremor dominant Parkinson’s disease, then you are eligible for this procedure.

Does my insurance cover this treatment?

This treatment is covered by both Medicare and New York State Medicaid. While most commercial insurers cover it, if you have a specific question about your own insurance, feel free to contact us at 607-763-5404 or TremorTreatment@nyuhs.org and we will be happy to get an answer for your specific insurance question.

Do I need to keep taking my tremor medications after the procedure?

If this is your first side being treated, and you have tremor symptoms on the second side, you may want to stay on your medication because of the second side. After the second side procedure is performed, we will coordinate your care with you and your prescribing physician to discontinue your tremor medications.

Do I need to hold my anti-coagulation?

Yes, if you are on any blood thinners, please discuss this with us beforehand. We will tell you when you need to stop them before the procedure, depending on what the medication is and why you are taking it. They will need to be held between two and seven days before the procedure. You can usually restart them within 48 hours following the procedure.

Do I need to hold my tremor medication?

Yes, you do. That is something we will discuss with you more at your consultation visit. We will need you to stop your tremor medication approximately two to three days before the procedure so we can see the full effect of your tremor on treatment day. This is how we know that we are delivering the sound waves to the right spot and that we are getting the tremor relief we want.

What if I have an implantable device in my body, like a pacemaker?

That depends on the specific make and model of the device and the manufacturer’s approval for MRI safety. If you have a device, please let us know and we will research whether that device is MRI compatible. If it’s not MRI compatible, you would not be eligible for Focused Ultrasound. If it is MRI compatible, there is no problem with having an implantable device.

What if I am claustrophobic?

Unfortunately, we cannot give you any sedation on the day of the procedure because we need and want you fully awake and alert so that you can tell us and show us if the tremor is getting better and so that you can let us know if you are having any numbness or tingling or other side effects so we can adjust our treatment. However, we can try to make it as easy and as comfortable as possible. There are times when you will need to be inside the magnet bore to get actual pictures or for the sonication itself. There is also quite a bit of time where we can slide you out of the bore, allowing you to be outside the magnet. You will not have to be in the MRI machine the entire time, especially during the planning and testing.