Focused ultrasound subthalamotomy improves the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of focused ultrasound subthalamotomy (FUS) in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Researchers suggested that FUS improved symptoms of PD.

PD is a chronic disorder that affects the brain cells. These cells lose their ability to control body functions, which causes symptoms such as tremors. Physical complications negatively affect these patients. Medications are used to treat PD symptoms. However, medications have side effects and their effectiveness commonly wears off after some time. 

Deep-brain stimulation (DBS) is one treatment option. This involves a surgical procedure where a small device is implanted into a part of the brain. This device sends electronic impulses to the brain to control body movements. However, surgery is associated with certain risk factors and some patients might not be clinically suitable for them.   

FUS consists of directing sound waves to a specific brain area (thalamus). The heat produced by the waves destroys the brain target tissue without affecting the healthy surroundings. Prior studies suggested that FUS reduces the physical symptoms of PD such as tremors. However, the effectiveness of FUS in the treatment of patients with PD and increased physical symptoms is still not clear.

This study included 40 patients with PD. The participants enrolled had physical symptoms that were progressing despite treatment or were not eligible for DBS. These patients underwent either FUS (27) on the side opposite their main physical symptom or a placebo procedure (13). The main outcomes measured were the change in physical symptoms after 4 months of treatment and side effects.  

The physical symptoms significantly decreased after 4 months of therapy with FUS (by 9.8 points). The change in the placebo group was not significant (by 1.7 points). 85% of the FUS group and 15% of the placebo group reported improved symptoms. 

After 4 months, patients in the placebo group were allowed to cross over to the FUS group. 12 patients crossed over to the FUS group. After 4 months, these patients saw a significant improvement in PD symptoms (by 11.6 points).

The most common side effects in the FUS group after 4 months were dyskinesia (uncontrolled movements associated with long-term PD treatment), weakness on the treated side, talking and walking disorders.

This study concluded that FUS improves the physical symptoms of patients with PD, with manageable side effects. 

This study had a limited number of participants. Further studies with wider populations are necessary. This study received funding from Insightec, the developer of FUS.