Karl Walter, an 80-year-old resident of Karlsfeld, has had an impressive and transformative experience with Parkinson's disease. This condition, characterized by a constant shaking, also known as tremor, had severely affected his ability to carry out everyday tasks. Even basic tasks, such as tying a tie or lacing his shoes, posed major challenges for him.

However, over the course of his illness, Karl Walter showed remarkable resilience. In 2018, a decade after his diagnosis, he founded the Parkinson-Treff-Karlsfeld-Dachau self-help group. Through this initiative, he not only campaigned to raise awareness about Parkinson's, but also created a platform for exchange and support for other sufferers. This group became an important part of his life and identity.

His commitment led him to the discovery of MRgFUS therapy, a novel treatment method that represents a promising alternative to conventional therapies. This method, fully referred to as magnetic resonance-guided highly focused ultrasound subthalamotomy, focuses ultrasound waves on a specific point in the brain. Under the control of an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), these waves are used to specifically deactivate the brain cells that are responsible for the tremors. This process converts ultrasound energy into heat, which turns off the affected cells.

Despite the experimental nature of this treatment and its limited availability in Germany, Karl Walter chose this route. His treatment at the Schleswig-Holstein University Hospital in Kiel was demanding and intensive. It included several sessions in which he was subjected to various cognitive and motor tests. These tests took place between MRI scans and were crucial to the success of the treatment. The final part of the procedure was particularly painful, but Karl Walter persevered.

The result of this treatment was extremely positive for Karl Walter. After completion of the Therapy he noticed that the tremor in his right hand that had lasted for years had disappeared. This progress enabled him to bring some normality back into his life. He was again able to independently carry out everyday tasks that had been impossible for him for a long time, such as cooking without making a mess and writing letters.

Karl Walter's experience is not only a personal success, but also evidence of the potential of medical innovations. His story shows how important it is to maintain hope in difficult times and actively seek solutions. Through his experiences with MRgFUS therapy, Karl Walter offers other people experiencing similar challenges a reason for hope. His journey illustrates the transformative potential that lies in modern medicine and serves as an inspiration to many.

How does it work? MRgFUS?

MRgFUS stands for “Magnetic Resonance Guided Highly Focused Ultrasound” and is a fairly advanced medical technique that is primarily used to treat tremor in Parkinson’s patients. Let me explain how it works in simple language:

1. Magnetic resonance (MR) as a guide: First, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to create precise images of the inside of the brain. The MRI works like a very advanced camera system that allows the doctor to see exactly where in the brain needs treatment. It's like a navigation device that finds the exact location of the problem.
2. Ultrasonic waves as a tool: Once the exact location is found, highly focused ultrasound waves are directed to that specific point in the brain. Think of these ultrasound waves as an invisible, very precise beam that passes through the skull and aims directly at a specific point in the brain.
3. Generation of heat: When the ultrasonic waves hit the target area, they generate heat. This heat is so precisely controlled that it only affects the small, specific areas of the brain responsible for the tremor. It's similar to a surgical procedure, but without actually cutting.
4. Turning off the problematic cells: The heat turns off the cells that cause the tremors. You could say it's like selectively turning off a faulty circuit in a large machine. After these cells are deactivated, the tremors decrease or even stop altogether.
5. Minimally invasive and safe: The big advantage of this method is that it does not require a real surgical procedure. This means there is no incision, which greatly reduces the risk of infections and other complications. In addition, the patient is fully conscious during the treatment.

In summary, MRgFUS is a very advanced technique that combines state-of-the-art imaging (MRI) with precise ultrasound energy to target specific areas of the brain without the need for surgery. This can significantly improve symptoms such as tremors in Parkinson's patients.

Jürgen Zender, December 2023