High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

Overview

Greenwich Hospital offers high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to treat tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor. HIFU is an innovative, non-invasive FDA-approved procedure helping transform the quality of life for people with these conditions.

This specialized treatment uses ultrasound waves guided by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to treat a specific area in the brain that causes moderate to severe motor symptoms, like tremors, a symptom of Parkinson’s disease.

Treatment is performed on one side of the brain in a single session with many patients seeing immediate improvement of tremors. Typically, another treatment follows on the other side of the brain about nine months later. HIFU treatment does not involve radiation.

Patients are evaluated with an exam and CT scan to determine if this treatment will help improve their symptoms.

Benefits of HIFU treatment for Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor

Improvement of motor symptoms and involuntary muscle movement
No incisions
Outpatient procedure
Quick recovery

If I am interested in the HIFU procedure what are my next steps?

Call 1-877-YALEMDS (925-3637) and ask to be referred for HIFU. Callers will be contacted and guided through the HIFU process, including initial evaluation and tests.

What do evaluation and testing involve?

Patients who may be eligible for HIFU treatment are initially evaluated by a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders, which include Parkinson’s disease. Patients who are referred for testing will need to undergo a CT scan and thorough evaluation of symptoms and overall health.

Is HIFU an outpatient procedure?

Yes, treatment is offered at Long Ridge Medical Center in Stamford. The treatment may take two to three hours to complete and patients return home afterwards.

What does day-of preparation for HIFU involve?

Before your procedure, your entire head will need to be shaved by a staff member. This is to avoid any interference with the sound waves that are part of treatment. A silicone cap will be placed on your head for the procedure, as will a frame to ensure your head is still during the procedure.

Am I sedated during the procedure? Is the procedure painful?

Patients are awake during treatment to provide feedback toward assessing tremor improvement, informing of possible side effects, and possible muscle tone or strength testing. The procedure is painless. There may be some discomfort at the sites where the frame is attached to your head, but local anesthesia will be given.