Overview
The purpose of this research is to learn more about how the brain works in people with essential tremor, and how it changes after treatment with High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HiFU). Essential tremor is a movement disorder that causes shaking, usually in the hands, and can make everyday tasks difficult. HiFU is a treatment that uses focused sound waves to target a small area in the brain involved in tremor. In this study, the investigators aim to understand how this treatment affects the brain's networks by using safe, non-invasive tests such as brain imaging, brain wave recordings, and movement assessments.
Description
Participation in this study will last for approximately eight months. Participants will be asked to attend a total of six study visits. These include a screening visit to see if a potential participant qualifies for the study, an assessment visit before treatment and treatment visits. Prior to and after treatment (one day, six weeks, and six months after treatment), participants will have Magnetoencephalography (MEG), Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), Sensor-Based Gait and Motor Function Assessments and Self-Report Questionnaires.
Eligibility
- Inclusion
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- Age \>50 years and \<85 years
- Refractory to at least 2 first line tremor medications
- Skull Density Ratio (SDR) \> = 0.35
- Exclusion
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- MR/MEG incompatible implants and implantable devices (ex: pacemaker)
- Head tremor interfering with MEG recording
- Severe depression and/or anxiety
- Severe cognitive impairment
