High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

Conditions treated with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)

Essential tremor is a common neurological condition that causes shaking in the hands, head, voice, and sometimes legs or torso. It affects over 10 million Americans and can make everyday tasks like eating, writing, or holding a cup of coffee difficult.

Tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease is a type of Parkinson’s disease where shaking (tremor) is the main symptom. This shaking usually happens when the body is at rest, like when your hands are still in your lap.

A man in a hospital room intently looks at a computer screen, surrounded by medical equipment.

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)

During the procedure, multiple focused ultrasound beams are directed toward a precise area of the brain causing the tremors. When these beams meet on the targeted part of the brain, they generate heat and form a small lesion, which helps relieve hand tremor symptoms. MRI technology monitors the temperature of brain tissue in real time — providing instant feedback to keep the procedure safe and precise.

Why people choose high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)

No incisions — No cuts, no implants, no anesthesia, no radiation exposure, and no hospital stay
Immediate relief — Many patients notice improvement during treatment
Fast recovery — Most patients resume normal activities within a day, and possible side effects like imbalance or numbness typically resolve within two to four weeks

What to expect

Before treatment:

CT scan the day of your consultation appointment, MRI scan performed any time before procedure day

Treatment day:

Head is shaved and a frame is placed for precision
You'll be awake throughout the procedure
Treatment lasts about one hour
Real-time MRI guidance ensures accuracy
Patients usually notice tremor improvement during the procedure

After treatment:

Go home the same day
Follow-up care provided by your care team

Is high-intensity focused ultrasound right for you?

You may be a candidate if you:

Are experiencing hand tremors that interfere with daily activities or diminish quality of life
Have tried at least two different medications and failed to respond adequately or cannot take certain tremor medications
Are eligible for an MRI

Focused ultrasound isn’t right for everyone. If you have dense skull bone or thick scar tissue, the ultrasound waves may not reach the target effectively. Your care team will review your imaging to determine if this treatment is a safe and effective option for you. After your CT scan and consultation, we will provide a comprehensive evaluation and recommend focused ultrasound or other appropriate treatment options.

Treatment limitations

Focused ultrasound can significantly reduce hand tremors for many patients, but it’s important to know it’s not a cure. Conditions like essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease may continue to progress over time, and this treatment won’t stop that. While many people experience meaningful improvement, symptoms can return or worsen. Our care team will help you explore options like a second focused ultrasound treatment or alternatives such as deep brain stimulation.

Meet our high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) experts

Our experts use HIFU to treat tremors without surgery, so you can enjoy what matters most.

Meet the Team