New Device May Be Essential In Treating Patients With Tremor Issues

KYW's Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The condition is called essential tremor. People with the condition experience tremors that are, at the very least annoying to them, and at the worst impacting day to day activities.

There are medications that can be helpful with symptoms but in some cases even the best medications available cannot help with the problem.

Now the FDA has okayed a focused ultrasound device to treat essential tremor in patients who haven't responded to other medical therapy. The device uses MRI guidance to deliver focused ultrasound into the thalamus, the area of the brain thought to be responsible for tremor.

The focused sound waves destroy tissue in this region in an attempt to stop tremor. Not everyone experiences improvement and there are certainly other health concerns but this approval provides another option for those frustrated by the problem.