Focused ultrasound is an advanced, non-invasive treatment option that uses concentrated sound waves to target specific areas of the brain. It may help manage certain neurological conditions, including movement disorders that have not responded adequately to medication.
At Haynes Neurosurgical Group, we use focused ultrasound to target specific brain regions associated with certain neurological conditions. Our neurosurgeons combine specialized knowledge of brain anatomy with advanced imaging-guided techniques to deliver precise, non-invasive treatment while considering surrounding healthy tissue and neurological function.
Focused ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves directed toward a specific area of the brain. The waves converge at a targeted point, producing controlled effects on the tissue without requiring a surgical incision.
Depending on the technique, focused ultrasound may be used to:
Concentrated energy can heat and ablate selected tissue associated with neurological symptoms.
Lower-intensity ultrasound may influence activity in specific brain regions without intentionally destroying tissue.
Focused ultrasound techniques may be used to investigate or treat selected abnormalities, depending on the condition and clinical indication.
Unlike radiosurgery, focused ultrasound uses sound waves rather than ionizing radiation. Imaging technologies, particularly MRI, can help guide treatment and monitor its effects on the targeted area.
We offer different focused ultrasound techniques using varying levels of ultrasound energy and imaging guidance. Their applications depend on the intended treatment effect and the patient's diagnosis.
MRI-guided focused ultrasound combines concentrated ultrasound energy with magnetic resonance imaging to guide treatment of selected brain regions. MRI helps the treatment team visualize the treatment area, monitor tissue temperature, and assess treatment delivery.
Conditions Treated
MRgFUS is commonly used for the treatment of essential tremor, Parkinson's disease, and neuropathic pain. The precision offered by MRgFUS makes it a viable alternative to surgical resection or radiation therapy for treating benign and malignant tumors.
High-intensity focused ultrasound delivers concentrated sound-wave energy to generate heat and destroy precisely targeted tissue. This process is called thermal ablation.
Conditions Treated
In neurosurgery, HIFU is often utilized for the treatment of brain tumors, including glioblastomas and metastatic brain tumors. HIFU can also be employed in the treatment of certain movement disorders.
Low-intensity focused ultrasound is a gentle form of focused ultrasound used for therapeutic purposes without causing significant heating or tissue destruction. Unlike thermal ablation, its primary purpose is to modify activity within targeted neural circuits.
Conditions Treated
LOFU has shown promise in the treatment of neurological conditions, such as neuropathic pain, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Established in 1954, Haynes Neurosurgical Group brings decades of experience treating complex conditions affecting the brain, spine, and nervous system.
Our neurosurgeons apply their specialized knowledge of neurological anatomy and treatment techniques to evaluate how focused ultrasound may address specific brain regions involved in a patient's symptoms.
Our approach focuses on three important considerations:
Understanding the affected brain structures and how they contribute to symptoms helps guide targeted treatment.
We consider the diagnosis, symptoms, prior treatments, imaging findings, and neurological health when assessing whether focused ultrasound or another treatment approach may be appropriate.
We evaluate the relationship between the targeted area and nearby structures responsible for movement, sensation, and other important functions when planning treatment.
We prioritize non-invasive treatment when clinically appropriate while recognizing that some neurological conditions may require other surgical or non-surgical interventions.
Focused ultrasound delivers sound-wave energy through the skull toward a selected brain region. The exact procedure varies depending on the technique and condition being treated.
For MRI-guided focused ultrasound, treatment generally involves:
You lie on a treatment table with a specialized ultrasound transducer positioned around your head.
Multiple ultrasound waves pass through the scalp and skull, converging at a precise target within the brain.
MRI guidance helps the treatment team visualize the target and monitor temperature changes during thermal treatment.
Ultrasound energy may be adjusted based on imaging findings and your neurological responses during the procedure.
For suitable patients, focused ultrasound may provide several advantages over traditional open surgical procedures.
Treatment energy reaches targeted brain tissue without requiring an open surgical incision, avoiding incision-related risks such as wound infection.
MRI guidance helps the treatment team identify the target, monitor treatment delivery, and limit unintended effects on surrounding brain structures.
Since the procedure avoids an open surgical incision, some patients may experience less recovery time than they would after conventional surgery.
Although focused ultrasound is non-invasive, it is not risk-free. Depending on the treatment and targeted brain region, potential side effects may include headache, dizziness, numbness, tingling, balance difficulties, or other neurological changes. Our neurosurgeons consider the expected benefits, potential risks, and treatment limitations when evaluating whether focused ultrasound is appropriate for your condition.
At Haynes Neurosurgical Group, we combine specialized neurosurgical experience with advanced treatment capabilities to help you explore appropriate options for complex neurological conditions. Our seasoned neurosurgeons use highly advanced technologies and employ a patient-centric ethos at Alabama’s premier neurosurgical practice.
To schedule a consultation with one of our experts, call us at (205) 787-8676 or request an appointment online.
Phone: (205) 787-8676
Fax: (205) 785-7944
801 Princeton Avenue, S.W.
Suite 310
Birmingham, AL 35211
Located on Floor 3 of Professional Office Building 1.
