Over 7,000 patients globally have received MRgFUS therapy for neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor. Representative Image: FreePik
MedBound Blog

Ganga Ram Doctors Use Sound Waves, Not Surgery, to Treat Parkinson’s Tremors

A Non-Invasive Breakthrough for Parkinson’s Tremors in North India

MBT Desk

In a pioneering medical achievement, doctors at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi have treated Parkinson's tremors successfully using a non-surgical technique that is the first of its kind in North India.

The treatment, MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS), is a risk-free option to traditional brain surgery, especially for those with weak medication responses.

What is MRgFUS and how does it work?
MRgFUS is an advanced procedure that uses focused ultrasound waves to reach deep areas of the brain, without cutting a single piece of tissue. Under real-time MRI imaging, doctors can focus the sound energy on the part of the brain responsible for the tremors. This strikes a silent note to the abnormal signals causing the tremors, without damaging the surrounding tissue.
This is a completely non-invasive technique, so patients avoid the risks of open surgery and recover faster.
Dr. Satnam Chhabra, Chairman of Neurosurgery

Parkinson's disease and tremors

Parkinson's disease is a chronic neurological condition that influences movement. It occurs when cells in the brain responsible for producing dopamine begin to deteriorate, resulting in symptoms such as:

  • Shaking of hands and limbs

  • Stiffness of muscles.

  • Difficulty in movement

  • Balance problems

  • Speech or writing changes

With the progression of the disease, patients may also experience depression, loss of memory, or insomnia.

A turning point in a patient's life

Reema (altered name), a retired teacher, lived for years with uncontrollable tremors in her right hand. Sipping a glass of water, eating food, or signing her name was a daily turmoil.

Physicians had originally recommended deep brain stimulation, a complex procedure, but Reema was not interested and continued to live in the same manner as before.

A 2022 multicenter trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine confirmed sustained tremor reduction over 12 months with minimal side effects. Studies show that up to 70-80% of patients experience significant tremor relief after a single MRgFUS session.

Everything changed when she learned about the availability of MRgFUS in India. She had originally intended to have treatment in the UK, but discovering the same technology in Delhi gave her hope.

With Dr. Anshu Rohatgi, Vice Chairman, Neurology, Reema underwent targeted ultrasound treatment. To the surprise of the team, her tremors ceased at the mid-point of the treatment. Next morning, she was sipping from a glass, taking food independently, and even signing her name.

A new era in Parkinson's treatment

This technology offers a major breakthrough in the treatment of Parkinson's in India. For those patients whose symptoms cannot be controlled by medication and would rather avoid surgery, MRgFUS offers a promising solution.(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)

This is part of our ongoing effort to bring the latest technology to our patients. For those who don’t respond to medicines, this treatment offers a new lease on life
Dr. Ajay Swaroop, Chairman of the Hospital’s Board of Management


(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)

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