Ultrasound treatment at Tampa General Hospital eliminates tremors

TAMPA Fla. (WFLA) — A procedure at Tampa General Hospital offers immediate relief to people with essential tremors.

The treatment, Focused Ultrasound, targets the area of the brain causing the disabling tremors. Millions of Americans live with essential tremors, which are more common among elderly patients and can make the simplest tasks very challenging.

In the procedure, high-energy ultrasound beams are used to repair the broken connection between the brain and the part of the body the patient is attempting to move. The treatment can stop the tremors entirely for most patients.

“The procedure is generally speaking a one-and-done for one side of the body,” said Dr. Yarema Bezchlibnyk at TGH. “If you have tremors involved in your right hand and you’re right-handed, that might be all you need.”

Bezchlibnyk says patients can receive the treatment for tremors on both sides of the body, however, there is a waiting period.

“We have to wait 9 months after the first procedure to make sure the patient has recovered completely,” Dr. Bezchlibnyk said.

The treatment typically takes less than three hours, and most patients see improvements immediately upon completion. Focused Ultrasound is FDA-approved for patients with essential tremors and some patients with Parkinson’s disease as well.

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