MRgFUS offers Hope for Essential Tremor Patients in India with Non-Invasive Treatment

West Delhi – A new, non-invasive treatment is offering renewed hope to individuals in India battling essential tremor. Sir Ganga Ram Hospital is among the first to provide Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS), a procedure that significantly reduces tremors with minimal recovery time. the innovative treatment is transforming lives, allowing patients to regain independence and control ^[1].

Non-Invasive Essential Tremor Treatment Arrives in India

essential tremor (ET) affects approximately 1% of the global population, with prevalence increasing to 5% in individuals over 60 ^[2]. This neurological disorder causes rhythmic shaking that can severely impact daily activities such as eating, writing, and dressing.While not life-threatening, ET can lead to embarrassment, frustration, and social isolation.

Traditional treatments include medication and, in severe cases, deep brain stimulation (DBS), an invasive surgical procedure.MRgFUS offers a less invasive alternative, using focused ultrasound waves guided by MRI to target and treat the specific area of the brain responsible for tremors.

Did You Know? MRgFUS is approved for Essential Tremor (ET) and Tremor-dominant Parkinson’s Disease (TD-PD), offering new hope for patients whose symptoms significantly disrupt daily life.

How MRgFUS works

The MRgFUS procedure involves focusing ultrasound energy on the thalamus, a key relay center in the brain. This creates a small, targeted lesion that interrupts the abnormal signals causing tremors. The procedure is monitored in real-time via MRI, allowing physicians to adjust parameters for optimal safety and efficacy.

According to Dr. anshu Rohatgi,vice-chairperson of Neurology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital,the benefits of MRgFUS include no incisions,minimal anesthesia,rapid symptom relief,and minimal recovery time. The treatment is typically completed in one session, with patients experiencing a notable reduction in tremors, often immediately.

Patient Experiences Highlight the Impact of MRgFUS

Mrs. Radha, a retired schoolteacher, shared her experience with debilitating hand tremors that had transformed her from an independent, confident woman to someone withdrawn and embarrassed. After undergoing MRgFUS Thalamotomy at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital,she experienced immediate results. “Her right hand became tremor-free during the procedure itself. The next morning, she joyfully drank water without spilling, ate a sandwich on her own, and wrote her name with a steady hand,” said Dr. Rohatgi.

Pro Tip: Consult with a neurologist to determine if MRgFUS is the right treatment option for your essential tremor.

MRgFUS Availability and Cost in India

Currently, MRgFUS treatment is available in select centers across India, including:

• Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi
• Royal Care Super Speciality Hospital, Coimbatore
• KIMS Hospitals, Telangana
• All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi

The cost of the one-time medical intervention ranges from Rs. 19-23 lakh. While this may seem expensive, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits and improved quality of life that MRgFUS can provide.

The Future of mrgfus in India

Insightec, the medical technology company specializing in MRgFUS, is committed to expanding access to this technology in India. Maurice R. Ferré, M.D., CEO and chairman of the board, noted that they are exploring new clinical indications for their Exablate technology in the treatment of other neurological conditions.

With over 25,000 patients treated globally and over 200 in India, the enthusiasm from both physicians and patients is growing. As more centers adopt MRgFUS, this transformative technology will become accessible to even more patients across India.

What are your thoughts on non-invasive treatments for neurological disorders? How can we improve access to innovative medical technologies in developing countries?