Essential tremor can affect more than just your hands – it impacts confidence, independence, and daily life. In this interview, a former patient at the Queen Square Imaging Centre shares their experience of MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS), a pioneering incisionless treatment that can transform a patient’s quality of life.

Q: When did you first start noticing symptoms of essential tremor?

A: Although I now realise I had some hand movement problems earlier, the tremor became clearly noticeable around 1995. It was particularly problematic during work meetings when passing coffee, presenting documents, or handling anything delicate. I started to avoid those situations altogether.

Q: How did it affect life at home?

A: Simple tasks became difficult. Inserting keys into my front door, pouring liquids, and passing full glasses made me very nervous. As things progressed, it became harder to use tools to do things like wire a plug, or even write legibly.

Q: What treatments were you offered initially?

A: I was prescribed propranolol, but I’ve always been reluctant to take medication. I requested the lowest possible dose, but there was no noticeable improvement. It felt like I just had to live with the tremor.

Q: How did you first hear about MR-guided focused ultrasound?

A: I saw it featured on a television programme – patients were experiencing remarkable results. Later, I came across an advertisement for the Queen Square Imaging Centre and decided to look into it.

Q: What was it like being accepted for treatment at Queen Square?

A: I was thrilled to be accepted as a potential patient. I had some reservations – it’s a relatively new treatment in the UK, and I had concerns about cost and whether the effects would last. But I felt hopeful.

Q: Can you tell us about the treatment day?

A: The day was incredibly well organised. I was surprised and reassured in equal measure by how many highly skilled surgeons and technicians were present. The only unpleasant part was the head shaving, but that’s hardly important! Originally, they expected that I would be in the scanner for about 45 minutes. But when I mentioned that I had some jaw tremor affecting speech, the team said they’d see if they could help with that too – no promises. They made extra efforts, and there was some improvement. I was very grateful.

Q: When did you first notice the results?

A: The change was almost instantaneous. The tremor in my treated hand was virtually eliminated and has remained that way to this day. I had no side effects at all afterward. I do have some tremor in my left hand, but it’s mild and doesn’t interfere much with daily life.

Q: How has your life changed since having MRgFUS?

A: It’s made a huge difference. I don’t lack confidence when performing everyday tasks at home or in public. I even help out behind the bar at my local bowls club – pouring and carrying drinks is no issue at all now.

Q: What would you say to others considering this treatment?

A: I would absolutely encourage anyone to explore MR-guided focused ultrasound if they’re able. Outcomes might vary from person to person, but speaking from my own experience, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second.

About MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound at Queen Square

MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is an innovative, incisionless treatment for essential tremor. It uses high-intensity ultrasound waves, guided by real-time MRI, to precisely target the part of the brain responsible for tremor – without any need for incisions, hospital stay or general anaesthetic.

Located in an internationally renowned centre of excellence for neurosciences, the Queen Square Imaging Centre offers private MRgFUS treatment to suitable patients living with essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease.

Further information is available here, or by contacting our treatment team on treatment@queensquare.com or 020 7833 2513.