Focused Ultrasound in Orange County, CA (Mission Viejo)

What is Focused Ultrasound Tremor Treatment?

Focused ultrasound is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses high-intensity sound waves to target specific areas within the body. This innovative procedure, available in Orange County, CA, utilizes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for precise guidance. .

This technology has been FDA-approved for treating both sides of the body, with the procedures staged by at least 9 months. As an outpatient procedure, focused ultrasound often allows for faster recovery times when compared to traditional surgical methods. Patients may experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life, all without the risks associated with invasive surgeries.

Who is a Candidate for Focused Ultrasound Surgery for Tremor?

Focused ultrasound offers a revolutionary, noninvasive option for treating essential tremors. Eligibility largely depends on overall health, medical history, and the nature of the tremors. Below are some considerations for potential candidates:

• Confirmed Diagnosis: Candidates typically have a confirmed diagnosis of essential tremor that significantly impacts daily activities.
• Health status: In generally good health and have the ability to lie still for about 2 hours.
• Suitability: An option for patients who haven’t responded to medication, are not candidates for deep brain stimulation, or have not responded to previous treatment.

Consulting with Dr. Alexander Taghva in Orange County, CA, can help determine if this incisionless procedure aligns with your treatment goals and health status.

Consultation for Focused Ultrasound

Dr. Alexander Taghva offers consultations for focused ultrasound treatment in Orange County.

Patients might also undergo imaging tests, such as CT or MRI scans, to identify the exact treatment area and confirm eligibility.

Dr. Taghva will explain the benefits, risks, side effects, and expected outcomes while answering any questions to ensure patients feel informed and confident in their decisions. Open discussions about health conditions, medications, and prior treatments are vital for understanding the benefits and limitations of this procedure.

Dr. Taghva works closely with each patient during the consultation to design a treatment plan tailored to their needs.

Preparing for Focused Ultrasound for Tremor Surgery

These preparations are essential for safely and effectively targeting diseased tissue with ultrasound energy:

• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the treatment, as you may feel tired or lightheaded.
• Dr. Taghva may advise you to stop certain medications and supplements, such as blood thinners, before the procedure.
• Follow specific dietary guidelines, which may include fasting for a few hours before the procedure.

The Day of Your Focused Ultrasound Procedure

On the day of your focused ultrasound procedure, you’ll go through a series of steps for treatment success and comfort. As an outpatient treatment, you’ll return home the same day. Here’s what to expect:

• The treatment area will be shaved, and a numbing medication will be applied to minimize discomfort.
• To keep your head steady, a holding device will be attached using four pins placed in areas that have been numbed.
• You will be positioned on an MRI bed for precise scans of the target treatment area.
• You will remain awake and interact with the care team throughout the treatment.

This incisionless treatment reduces infection and complication risks that are inherent in invasive surgeries. After the procedure, you’ll be observed in a recovery room before discharge. Patients usually feel little discomfort and can return to their regular activities soon after.

Focused Ultrasound for Tremor Recovery

After undergoing focused ultrasound treatment in Orange County, CA, patients typically experience a relatively quick recovery.

Many people can go back to work and continue their usual activities just a few days after the procedure. However, some patients may experience temporary side effects that can last for days or weeks following the procedure. These side effects may include dizziness, which is generally mild and resolves on its own.

It’s important to follow post-treatment instructions provided by Dr. Alexander Taghva and attend scheduled follow-up visits to monitor progress.

Recovery is usually quicker than with standard surgery, but patients still need time for their bodies to adapt and heal after the focused ultrasound treatment.

Focused Ultrasound for Tremor Management

After focused ultrasound treatment in Orange County, CA, follow these tips for a smooth recovery:

• Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet.
• Get plenty of rest, especially in the first few days.
• Avoid strenuous activities until cleared by Dr. Taghva.
• Take prescribed medications as directed.
• Attend follow-up appointments with Dr. Alexander Taghva.
• Be patient with short-term side effects like dizziness.
• Check vital signs and call our office about any concerns.
• Slowly return to your usual activities as Dr. Taghva recommends.

By following these post-treatment guidelines, staying connected with Dr. Taghva for follow-up care, and engaging with local support groups for essential tremor, you can optimize your recovery and build a strong foundation for managing your condition.

Focused Ultrasound Side Effects

Focused ultrasound treatment, while generally safe, may have potential side effects that normally resolve on their own. These include:

• Imbalance/gait disturbance
• Numbness/tingling
• Headache/head pain

Dr. Taghva will thoroughly discuss all potential risks during your consultation, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of them. Additionally, Dr. Taghva and his team will provide tailored instructions on how to minimize and manage any side effects, helping you recover comfortably and with confidence.

Focused Ultrasound Cost

Focused ultrasound cost for tremor treatment is influenced by factors such as the surgeon’s expertise, geographic location, and the patient’s insurance coverage from their health insurance provider. Additional considerations include the need for pre-treatment evaluations, post-procedure care, and potential follow-up sessions.

Focused Ultrasound Results

Focused ultrasound outcomes for tremor after treatment are mostly positive, with patients often experiencing significant benefits that enhance their daily lives. These include:

• Significant Tremor Reduction: Focused ultrasound effectively reduces tremor symptoms, improving patients’ ability to perform everyday tasks.
• Improved Quality of Life: The reduction in tremors leads to better overall functioning and independence.
• Quick Recovery Time: As an incisionless outpatient procedure, patients enjoy a rapid return to normal activities without the need for prolonged downtime.
• Non-Invasive Treatment: Utilizing ultrasound waves, the procedure avoids the risks associated with open surgery and general anesthesia.
• Precise Targeting: MRI-guided focused ultrasound precisely targets affected brain tissue, ensuring effective treatment while preserving healthy surrounding tissue.

Clinical trials showed an average 73.1% improvement in tremor severity at five years for first-side treatments and 80.2% improvement at six months for second-side treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Focused Ultrasound