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Focused Ultrasound
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The Focused Ultrasound in Parkinson's and Essential Tremor:
Focused ultrasound, also known as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), is a noninvasive neurosurgical technique used to treat Parkinson's disease. This method uses focused sound waves to selectively stimulate or destroy areas of the brain responsible for Parkinson's symptoms. Focused ultrasound is typically used to treat tremor, which is a common symptom in people with Parkinson's disease.
Advantages and disadvantages compared to deep brain stimulation:
Focused ultrasound offers several advantages over deep brain stimulation (DBS). First, it is non-invasive, meaning that surgical implantation of a stimulator is not required. This reduces the risk of complications and infections that can be associated with invasive procedures. Secondly, focused ultrasound allows for precise and personalized treatment as the intensity of the ultrasound can be adjusted to suit the needs of each patient. Third, treatment adjustments can be made in real-time because patients are awake during the procedure and can provide feedback.
However, there are also some disadvantages of focused ultrasound compared to DBS. DBS allows continuous stimulation of the brain, while focused ultrasound can only have a temporary effect. In addition, DBS is more widely established and there is longer experience with this method. Focused ultrasound, on the other hand, is a relatively new technology and more long-term studies are needed to assess its long-term effects and effectiveness.
Provider in Germany and assumption of costs:
In Germany, several medical centers offer focused ultrasound for the treatment of Parkinson's. These include the University Hospital in Cologne, the University Hospital in Frankfurt am Main and the University Hospital in Tübingen. It is advisable to contact specialized neurology departments or movement disorder centers for information on the availability of these treatment options.
Coverage for focused ultrasound in Parkinson's may vary from case to case. As a rule, however, patients must apply to their health insurance company for the costs to be covered and provide evidence of the medical need. The decision to cover the costs is made individually by the health insurance company and may depend on various factors, including the insurance plan and the doctor's justification for the need for the treatment.
Summary:
- Focused ultrasound is a non-invasive neurosurgical method for treating Parkinson's disease, especially tremor.
- Compared to deep brain stimulation, it offers benefits like that
- Non-invasiveness, the customization of treatment
- and the possibility of real-time adjustment during the procedure.
- However, there are also disadvantages
- like a temporary effect
- and a more limited experience compared to deep brain stimulation.
- In Germany, various medical centers offer focused ultrasound for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (e.g. Bonn and Kiel University Hospitals.
- The assumption of costs by the health insurance companies depends on individual factors and must be applied for on a case-by-case basis.
Jürgen Zender in June 2023
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