Essential Tremor, Parkinson's and Movement Disorders

Focused Ultrasound (FUS)

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).

Medications

• Chemodenervation. This treatmentuses Botox injections to block nerve signals to your muscles, reducing the degree of abnormal movement.
• Dietary therapy. Our neurological specialists collaborate with registered dietitians to design a dietary plan to provide optimal nutrition while maximizing the effectiveness of your medications and managing other symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing.
• Other medications. Dopamine substitutes, anti-seizure, and blood pressure medications can also relieve symptoms of movement disorders.

Hackensack University Medical Center (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. For more information or to schedule an appointment, email FUS@hmhn.org, or call 551-996-5588.

• Deep brain stimulation (DBS): DBS may be recommended for patients with symptoms that are not well controlled by medication. DBS works by implanting a small device in your brain that uses electrical stimulation to prevent nerve signals from causing abnormal movement.
• Stereotactic thalamotomy: Used to treat essential tremor or tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease, this procedure targets the part of the brain called the thalamus with radiofrequency generator or Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery technology and creates lesions that stop or reduce tremors.
• Stereotactic pallidotomy: This procedure uses stereotactic radiosurgery or radiofrequency ablation to create a small lesion in the part of the brain called the globus pallidus, which is responsible for movement control. Stereotactic pallidotomy may be an option for patients who cannot have DBS.

We offer a full range of supportive services, including:

• Counseling. Our psychologists will provide counseling services to help you and your family cope with the emotional challenges of living with a movement disorder.
• Neuropsychology. Our neuropsychologists will help you understand and cope with problems with memory and other cognitive changes that can occur with movement disorders.
• Cognitive remediation. Cognitive remediation helps people with neurological conditions learn to manage challenges related to memory, reasoning, planning and other cognitive functions.
• Speech therapy. Our speech-language pathologists follow the latest evidence-based treatment protocols to improve and preserve the voices of people with Parkinson’s disease.
• Physical therapy and exercise. Your health care provider may recommend physical therapy or group exercise classes to improve flexibility, balance and strength.
• Parkinson’s group exercise classes. A post-rehab group exercise class designed and administered by physical therapists and exercise specialists helps those with Parkinson’s improve their flexibility, balance and strength, enabling them to perform everyday activities with greater ease.