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. 2025 Jul;12(7):922-927.
doi: 10.1002/mdc3.70012. Epub 2025 Feb 19.

Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound Treatment for Essential Tremor: A Single-Center Experience

Victor S Hvingelby  1   2   3 , Pernille Kjeldsen  2   3 , Bo Bergholt  1 , Gaston Andres Schechtmann  1 , Erik Hvid Danielsen  4 , Mette Møller  4 , Erik Lisbjerg Johnsen  4 , Skirmante Mardosiene  5 , Torben Ellegaard Lund  6 , Dora Grauballe  6   7 , Michael Geneser  6   7 , Tina Vincens Sørensen  6   7 , Lisa Østergaard Bak  1 , Martin Andreasen  1 , Anne Sofie Møller Andersen  2   8 , Lone Andersen  1 , Kaare Meier  1   2   9 , Niels Juhl  9 , Alp Tankisi  9 , Bo Jespersen  9 , Christian Fenger Eriksen  9 , Mads Rasmussen  9 , Winnie Bechmann Eriksen  9 , Birgitte Barrutia  9 , Mette Kromann  9 , Ida Baandrup  9 , Jette Bjørn  9 , Rie Stjernholm  9 , Charlotte Bræmer-Madsen  9 , Signe Mygdal Jørgensen  1 , Jens Christian Hedemann Sørensen  1   2   3   8 , Andreas Nørgaard Glud  1   2   3   8
Affiliations

Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound Treatment for Essential Tremor: A Single-Center Experience

Victor S Hvingelby et al. Mov Disord Clin Pract. 2025 Jul.

Abstract

Background: Essential tremor is the most common hyperkinetic movement disorder. Magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) has emerged as second-line therapy.

Objective: The aim was to obtain the results of the first 108 patients treated with MRgFUS in Denmark.

Methods: Data were entered in a quality assurance database at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months. Clinician- and patient-rated treatment efficacy was evaluated using the Fahn-Marin-Tolosa (FMT) scale and the Patient Global Impression of Change.

Results: A total of 108 persons have currently been treated. Tremor improved by a total mean 6.39 points (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.01;7.76, P < 0.00001) and 9.63 points (95% CI: 7.60;11.66, P < 0.00001), 10.42 (95% CI: 9.06;11.79, P < 0.00001), and 26.45 (95% CI: 22.46;30.43, P < 0.00001) for FMT parts A, B, and C, respectively, at 3 months. Side effects occurred in 65.7% of patients at 3 months and 33.7% at 12 months.

Conclusion: Our findings are in line with existing evidence. Questions regarding persistence of gait- and balance-related side effects remain.

Keywords: essential tremor; focused ultrasound; magnetic resonance imaging.

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Figures

FIG. 1
FIG. 1
Changes in assessor‐ and patient‐rated outcomes across the first year after treatment. (A) The changes between baseline, 3 months, and 12 months according to the Fahn–Marin–Tolosa (FMT) scale. (B) The changes between baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months according to the patient‐rated Quality of Life in Essential Tremor (QUEST) scale and (C) the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.
FIG. 2
FIG. 2
Changes in the use of medication after treatment in the first 12 months after treatment. (A) The frequency of ingestion of common antitremor medications. (B) The percentage of patients taking and not taking antitremor medications, respectively, at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months. (C) The mean of individual medication usage as a percentage of use at baseline after 3 months where dose at baseline is set at 100%.
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