The United States Food and Drug Administration approved focused ultrasound treatment for Parkinson's in 2018, and in 2025 authorized an improved version. This update allows targeting new brain regions, alleviating not only tremors but also slowness and rigidity. Additionally, it can be applied to both sides of the brain for full-body relief.
New brain targets and bilateral application 🧠
The improved version of focused ultrasound expands the therapeutic scope. While the initial technique focused on the thalamus to reduce tremors, it now also targets the globus pallidus and subthalamic nucleus to treat rigidity and bradykinesia. Bilateral application, previously impossible due to risks of side effects, is achieved with energy adjustments and real-time monitoring. At Oregon Health & Science University, between 50 and 60 patients have already been treated, and the schedule is booked months in advance.
The ultrasound schedule: harder to get than concert tickets 🎟️
With months of waiting and only 60 fortunate patients treated, booking a focused ultrasound session has become more complicated than getting Taylor Swift tickets. Oregon doctors are already planning to expand shifts, but in the meantime, patients compete for a slot as if it were the Black Friday of neurosurgery. At least, when the day arrives, the only tremor will be one of excitement, not Parkinson's.