Parkinson’s tremors disappear with use of machine that sends heat waves to the brain

Delray Medical Center in Florida has introduced a cutting-edge device designed to treat movement disorders like essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease. This advanced technology uses focused ultrasound guided by MRI to stop involuntary tremors in a single treatment—offering a life-changing solution for many patients. How the Technology Works The new machine, called the Exablate Prime, uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to target and treat specific areas of the brain responsible for tremors. These waves pass through the skull without the need for surgery. During the procedure, doctors first apply low-energy ultrasound, allowing patients to provide feedback. Adjustments are made in real time before high-energy ultrasound is used to destroy the brain tissue causing the tremor. For most patients, the results are immediate, with tremors disappearing during the procedure. They can return home the same day with minimal side effects. A Decade of Progress Neurosurgeons at Delray Medical Center have been using earlier versions of this machine for the past 10 years. However, the new Exablate Prime boasts significant improvements, including enhanced imaging, faster data processing, and the ability to treat more patients daily. Dr. Lloyd Zucker, Chief of Neurosurgery at Delray, highlighted the impact during a ribbon-cutting event. He shared a video of a Parkinson’s patient whose hand stopped shaking within minutes of treatment. “What you are seeing is the next step,” Zucker said. “It ensures patient safety, improves outcomes, and opens the door to treating other conditions, including chronic pain, addiction, and neuro-oncology.” Expanding Treatment Possibilities The Exablate Prime isn’t just for movement disorders. Delray Medical Center is also exploring its potential for Alzheimer’s treatment. Dr. Arif Dalvi, head of the hospital’s movement disorder program, is part of a study investigating how focused ultrasound can temporarily open the brain’s protective barrier, allowing harmful plaques associated with Alzheimer’s to clear out. He envisions combining this with other treatments for a comprehensive approach to the disease. “This is an incredibly exciting time for Alzheimer’s,” Dalvi said. “We are on the brink of combining therapies into a ‘cocktail’ that could significantly improve outcomes.” Meeting Growing Demand The demand for focused ultrasound treatments is high, with about 500,000 people in the U.S. unable to manage their symptoms with medication alone. At Delray, the waitlist for essential tremor and Parkinson’s treatments is nearly a year long, but the new machine’s efficiency will allow the team to treat more patients each day. Medicare covers the procedure for essential tremor patients in Florida, and some private insurers offer coverage as well. Nationwide, there are 79 treatment centres using this technology, including nine in Florida. Transforming Lives Heather Havericak, CEO of Delray Medical Center, expressed pride in the investment: “We’ve already been able to touch so many lives, and we’re going to reach even more with this new technology.” With this new machine, Delray Medical Center is setting a benchmark for innovation, offering hope to patients with movement disorders and opening doors for new treatments in neurological care.