High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a noninvasive treatment that uses focused sound waves to target brain tissue linked to certain tremors.
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Tremors & Movement Disorders
We have decades of experience caring for patients with tremors & movement disorders, pioneering minimally invasive treatments and leading research for new treatments to improve patient outcomes.
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a noninvasive treatment that uses image-guided ultrasound energy, or sound waves, to target a small area deep in the brain involved in certain tremors. By treating the brain cells linked to abnormal signaling, HIFU may help reduce tremor symptoms, especially when medication or other conservative treatment has not provided enough relief.
Because HIFU is guided by imaging, physicians can target the treatment area with a high level of precision. This approach may help some people gain better control of hand movement and improve activities such as eating, writing or dressing. A full evaluation is still needed to determine whether this treatment is appropriate.
Why Choose Baptist Health?
At Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care, patients benefit from coordinated care designed around their symptoms, goals and overall health. For treatments such as HIFU, that often means a team-based evaluation that may include movement disorder neurologists, neurosurgeons and imaging experts.
For some people, HIFU may be considered when tremor remains disruptive after medication or when an incision-free option is preferred. When needed, your care team may also discuss related options, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), to help you understand which approach best fits your needs.
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HIFU cases successfully performed
Frequently Asked Questions
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HIFU is mainly used to help reduce certain tremors. It is most often discussed for people with movement disorders when symptoms continue to interfere with daily life despite medication or other treatment.
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HIFU is not traditional surgery because it does not require an incision. Instead, it uses focused sound waves to treat a small area in the brain while MRI guidance helps the physician monitor precision throughout the procedure.
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Some patients with disabling tremor may be candidates, but eligibility depends on several factors. These can include the cause of the tremor, how severe symptoms are, prior treatment response, imaging findings and overall health.
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Some people notice tremor improvement during or soon after treatment. Others may need time and follow-up to understand the full effect on daily activities. The amount of improvement can vary, and no treatment guarantees the same result for every patient.
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Risks depend on the treatment target and the individual patient. Possible side effects can include numbness, tingling, balance changes, speech changes, headache or procedure-related discomfort. Your physician will explain which risks are most relevant in your case.
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HIFU does not involve an incision or implanted device, while deep brain stimulation uses implanted electrodes and a small pulse generator. Both treatments may help selected patients with tremor, but the right choice depends on symptoms, goals and medical evaluation.
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In some cases, yes. FDA labeling includes staged treatment of the opposite side for certain patients. For essential tremor, this approval allows treatment of the contralateral side at least 9 months after the first procedure. Whether that applies to a specific patient depends on symptoms, side effects from the first treatment and physician evaluation.
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Many HIFU treatments are performed while the patient is awake so the care team can monitor symptoms during the procedure. The exact plan may vary based on the treatment approach and your medical needs.
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Recovery is often shorter than with an open procedure because there is no incision. Still, patients may need monitoring, follow-up visits, and time to adjust to changes in symptoms or temporary side effects.
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