Doctors use deep-brain ultrasound to treat tremors
 

We have seen this before, but it is very interesting and real.....

Doctors use deep-brain ultrasound therapy to treat tremors - BBC News

Ultrsound and MJFF ...
 

This looks like the best advance since ldopa, so I must have missed something.

I know MJFF are involved with this approach, testing it for tremor and dyskinesia, can someone, (perhaps from MJFF), summarise where we are with this and is it being targeted as a replacement for DBS ?

Neil.

Isn't this similar to ablation only using sound instead of a hot probe? I'm not sure the results last long - only a few years. In time, the tremors return and you can't do it again.

Actually, this is the ablation therapy you are thinking of. The high frequency ultrasound is what causes the heat that burns and destroys the targeted brain cells. It's works, it's approved(at least for essential tremor and being tested for PD tremor) and it's also non-invasive. On the other hand, as opposed to DBS, it's non-reversable.

Something I found even as interesting as the procedure itself is located in the bottom video at the 3:30 mark where he discusses opening up the narrow BBB entrance to allow easier and more efficient targeting. He doesn't say much but it could be an important step for meds and other treatments.

Eric

That's what I thought. Too bad it isn't permanent. Seems like a false hope and permanent damage is done. DBS is reversable.

DBS is reversible ...
 

but I would go for non invasive ultrasound over DBS major surgery with the risks of stroke, bleeding and even death.

Now the tech is a lot more advanced the additional accuracy of destroying only those cells you need to gives ultrasound my vote.

Take care,
Neil.

Ultrasound sounds great but I don't think the positive effects last but a few years and I don't know if you can have DBS at that point.

I don't know if it's false hope, permanent damage or only lasts a few years, or if they even know at this point. Maybe a professional reading these threads could shed some light.

My Neurologist tells me that ablation lasts only a couple years before the Parkinson's tremor returns. I suppose he could be wrong. I don't think the ultrasound trials have followed patients for more than a few years. I would love to hear a professional shed some light on this.