An innovative treatment new to the greater Sacramento area helps restore abilities that some people might take for granted — signing a birthday card, buttoning a shirt or pouring a second cup of coffee.
An estimated 7 million people in the United States live with essential tremor, one of the most common movement disorders. Meanwhile more than 1 million are living with Parkinson’s disease. These neurologic conditions can cause involuntary shaking and may affect the hands, arms, head and other parts of the body.
Sutter Health, a not-for-profit health system in California, is expanding access to advanced tremor care through the launch of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound, or simply MRgFUS. Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento is making the technology available to people living with essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease who have not found relief through medication.
The outpatient procedure does not require incisions, implanted devices or radiation. Using magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, specialists precisely guide focused sound waves to the brain pathways linked to tremor. Since the launch of MRgFUS at Sutter earlier this month, some of the first patients treated with the technology have already experienced significant tremor improvement.
“The impact of tremor often extends beyond physical symptoms, affecting a person’s confidence, independence and quality of life,” said Dr. Rudolph Schrot, a Sutter Medical Group neurosurgeon practicing at SMCS. “The addition of MRgFUS gives us another way to bring personalized care close to home and help patients continue participating in the activities that matter most to them.”
MRgFUS at Sutter builds on the system’s longstanding investment in advanced neuroscience care. Alongside deep brain stimulation and Gamma Knife radiosurgery, it broadens the therapies available through Sutter’s nationally renowned movement disorders program, enabling physicians to match patients with the treatment best suited to their diagnosis, symptoms and personal goals.
“Innovation continues to reshape how we care for patients with movement disorders and other complex neurologic conditions,” said Dr. Shawn Kile, chair of Sutter Health’s Advanced Neuroscience Service Line. “MRgFUS reflects Sutter’s commitment to making evidence-based therapies available to the patients and communities we serve.”
Learn more information about MRgFUS, including eligibility and consultation options.
