Essential Tremor, Parkinson's and Movement Disorders

Focused Ultrasound for Essential Tremor

Neurosurgeons at Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) continue to pioneer new advances for treating Parkinson’s Disease and movement disorders and HUMC is the only medical center in New Jersey using Focused Ultrasound (FUS), also known as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). FUS is a minimally invasive alternative to deep brain stimulation for patients with essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease tremor that has not responded to medications.

Focused ultrasound uses acoustic energy, or sound waves, to treat brain tissue that is the source of the tremor. The outpatient procedure, which typically takes two hours, doesn’t require surgical incisions or anesthesia and many patients experience immediate and significant reduction in hand tremors, which can make activities of daily living challenging. Patients can return home the same day.

Learn more about focused ultrasound and how to schedule an appointment.

How We Diagnose Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders

To diagnose your condition, we will review your symptoms and health history, conduct a physical exam and may perform additional tests, including:

• Blood or urine samples.Your health care provider may ask you to provide blood or urine samples to check for markers of neurological disorders and rule out other conditions.
• Electromyography (EMG). EMG measures the electrical impulses along your nerves and muscles to test how well your nerves and muscles work together.
• Imaging tests. Your health care provider may order imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT), to help uncover neurological abnormalities and diagnose your movement disorder.
• Movement neurophysiological exam. We use a series of tests involving different types of stimulation — including visual, audible and electrical stimulation — to detect neurological abnormalities.
• Neuropsychological exam. This exam assesses cognitive skills, such as attention, executive functioning, memory, language and visuospatial processing.

 

Rehabilitation for Movement Disorders in New Jersey

Our specialists are leaders in movement disorder rehabilitation and follow the latest, evidence-based guidelines. Our movement disorder rehabilitation team includes: 

• Board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians
• Movement disorder neurologists
• Certified rehabilitation registered nurses (CRRN)
• Movement disorder therapists

Rehabilitation for movement disorders in New Jersey

Clinical Trials and Research for Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders

Our neurology and neurosurgery experts provide you with access to the latest clinical trials for Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders before they become widely available. Learn more about our Movement Disorder clinical trials available in New Jersey.