Neuro-HIFU for Parkinson's disease

Neuro-HIFU for Parkinson's disease: a revolution in the treatment of tremor

Parkinson's disease is diagnosed in millions of people around the world every year. Hand tremor, stiffness of movements, impaired coordination - these symptoms significantly reduce the quality of life and deprive patients of the opportunity to lead a full active life. A few years ago, the only radical method of combating tremor remained neurosurgical operations with all their risks. Today, medical science has made a real breakthrough: Neuro-HIFU - non-invasive therapy with focused ultrasound under MRI control - allows you to eliminate tremor without any incision, anesthesia and long recovery.

What is Neuro-HIFU: the principle of the technology

Neuro-HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, or MR-guided Focused Ultrasound - MRgFUS) is a treatment method in which more than a thousand ultrasound waves are simultaneously focused on one point in the brain with jewelry accuracy of up to 1 mm. Thermal energy generated at the focal point destroys the pathological area of the thalamus - the area responsible for generating abnormal signals that cause tremor.

All manipulations are performed under constant MRI control in real time, which allows doctors to see the exact location of the impact and immediately adjust the parameters. The patient remains conscious throughout the procedure and can immediately confirm the disappearance or reduction of tremor.

Key advantages of Neuro-HIFU over classical neurosurgery

No incisions and trepanation of the skull - ultrasound passes through the bone without damaging the tissue
No general anesthesia - the procedure is performed under light sedation or without it at all
Instant result - about 90% of patients experience a significant reduction in tremor during the session
Short stay in the clinic - usually 1-2 days
Minimal risk of complications compared to deep brain stimulation (DBS)
Does not require further adjustments, unlike neurostimulators

Who is Neuro-HIFU treatment indicated for Parkinson's disease?

The method is effective primarily for patients with essential tremor and tremor in Parkinson's disease who do not receive sufficient symptom control with drug therapy.

Indications for Neuro-HIFU:

Severe tremor of the limbs (mostly unilateral), which interferes with daily activities
Insufficient effectiveness or intolerance of drug treatment (levodopa, beta-blockers)
Patient's refusal of invasive surgical methods
Age from 22 years, satisfactory general health
Confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or essential tremor

Contraindications:

Presence of metal implants or pacemaker
Severe blood clotting disorders
Severe dementia or psychotic disorders
Some anatomical features of the skull (evaluated individually according to MRI data)

How the Neuro-HIFU procedure is performed: step-by-step description

Step 1 - Preliminary diagnosis and patient selection. Before the procedure, an MRI of the brain is performed to determine anatomical features and accurately plan the target area. The doctor assesses the thickness of the skull bones (Skull Density Ratio), which affects the passage of ultrasound.
Step 2 - Preparation. The patient's head is placed in a special helmet-transducer with 1024 ultrasound elements. The hair is shaved for better contact with the water environment.
Step 3 - Procedure in the MRI machine. The patient lies down in the MRI scanner. Doctors gradually increase the intensity of the ultrasound exposure, monitoring the temperature in the thalamus area and the patient's reaction to each impulse.
Step 4 - Instant assessment of the result. During the procedure, the patient is asked to perform simple motor tests - write a word, draw a spiral. The dynamics of tremor are assessed in real time.
Step 5 - Completion and recovery. The total duration of the session is 3–4 hours. The patient can get up and move independently a few hours after the procedure.

Effectiveness and scientific data

The MRgFUS method has undergone extensive clinical studies and is approved by the FDA (USA) and EMA (European Union) for the treatment of essential tremor and tremor in Parkinson's disease.

According to clinical trial data published in the New England Journal of Medicine:

72-84% of patients experience a significant reduction in tremor after a single procedure
The effect is maintained for 5 years or more according to long-term observations
Quality of life indicators improve by an average of 40-55% on the QUEST scale
The frequency of serious side effects is less than 3%

Cost of Neuro-HIFU treatment abroad

The cost of the Neuro-HIFU procedure depends on the country of treatment, the specific clinic, the extent of previous diagnostics and the individual characteristics of the patient.

Israel - from 25,000 to 35,000 USD
Spain - from 20,000 to 30,000 EUR
Germany - from 22,000 to 32,000 EUR
South Korea - from 18,000 to 25,000 USD

Important: the indicated prices are approximate and do not include the cost of flights, accommodation and additional examinations. An accurate estimate is formed after the analysis of the patient's medical documentation by the Medical Expert team - free of charge.

Questions and Answers (FAQ) about Neuro-HIFU

Is the Neuro-HIFU procedure painful? Most patients describe the sensation as a slight tingling or a feeling of warmth during active pulses. There is no serious pain. Some clinics use light sedation for patient comfort.

Is hospitalization required? As a rule, the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis or with a one-day hospitalization. Most patients return home the next day after the procedure.

How many procedures are needed? Usually one procedure is enough. In some cases - with exceptionally pronounced symptoms - a repeat session or additional DBS is considered.

Does tremor completely disappear after Neuro-HIFU? In most patients, tremor is significantly reduced or completely disappears on the side where the treatment was performed. The procedure is currently performed unilaterally (on one thalamus).

Is the method suitable for elderly patients? Yes. The lack of anesthesia and minimal invasiveness make this method particularly attractive for elderly patients with concomitant diseases.

How quickly does the effect occur? The result is visible immediately during the procedure. The full therapeutic effect stabilizes within 1–3 months.