Focused Ultrasound (or HIFU - High Intensity Focuse Ultrasound)... may I contribute my 2cents. I investigated this procedure +/-3 years ago with a neurosurgeon who specialized in this treatment. Developed to help ET patients, it then expanded to PD patients. After investigating both, and also due to the HIFU neuro's advice, I am choosing to go with DBS - probably in the next 1-2 years. Why? HIFU is non-invasive, which was the carrot I was looking for. DBS is obviously not. But the success rate for HIFU was onnly hovering around 50-75% for PD, and the improvement to symptoms (primarily tremors) ranged from 6 months to maybe as much as4-5 years. DBS, while being invasive surgery to the brain, is almost always successful in (1) helping to alleviate symptoms, (2) increase on-time, (3) reducing medication need, and (4) lasting for potentially as much as 10-15 years. That's why i will go with DBS.
That said perhaps HIFU success rates have improved in the past 2-3 years.
Do what is right for you.
Focused Ultersound (FUS)
Russell6 I would give that a shot and it FDA approved that's interesting 👍
I would be interested in hearing about that also!
Focused ultrasound (FUS) is a non-invasive procedure that has shown real promise for Parkinson's disease, particularly for reducing tremors. It works by using sound waves to target a specific area of the brain responsible for tremor without any incisions.
Here's what's generally known about it:
- It's FDA-approved for Show Full Answer
I went to Hunter Holmes Veterans hospital today to the Parkinson's ward and they asked me to hold off on the DBS until they are more sure that I really have Parkinson's!They want to do some med changes and do a skin biopsy to check for a certain protein and I have to keep a diary of when I take my meds and how I feel at that time and how long untill if ever until I feel results. So wish me luck and we will see what they come up with,