Waving away hand tremors with Exablate Neuro

Don Heaney had a tough time holding a knife and a fork. Judith Eames had to stop writing to friends. And Rich Schaefer just wanted to be able to get dressed more quickly.

All 3 have something in common. Each has a neurological disorder called essential tremor — uncontrollable muscle movements, usually in the hands. Additionally, they were the first 3 patients at The University of Kansas Health System to receive a new treatment, called Exablate Neuro, to relieve their tremors.

Traditionally, the treatment for essential tremor was deep brain stimulation. This involves drilling several small holes into the skull and implanting a device to stimulate targeted regions of the brain with electrical impulses from a battery-operated neurostimulator.

Exablate Neuro instead applies focused ultrasound precisely to the spot in the brain causing the hand tremors. It destroys the faulty brain tissue without risk or damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.

The best part: No surgical incisions are needed. The patient is awake the entire time and usually goes home the same day.

Before the procedure, each of our 3 patients was asked to trace a few things on a piece of paper and write their name. Typically, the patient’s writing is barely legible because of the tremors. Following the procedure there was an amazing transformation. The tremors all but disappeared, and each of our patients was able to write their name so everyone could read it.

Judith was so excited she couldn’t wait to write thank-you notes to her medical team. Rich saw a huge difference, holding a cup without shaking for the first time in years. And Don, for the first time in decades, was able to eat pudding with a spoon. All activities that most of us take for granted, now possible again from this innovative, noninvasive neurosurgery technology.

Thank you to our donors

Exablate Neuro was funded by Gladys Kelce Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Commerce Bank – Trustee; Paul and Pamela Mies; Reed Family Foundation; John W. and Effie E. Speas Memorial Trust, Bank of America, N.A. – Trustee and Frank L. Thompson.