What Is High Intensity Focused Ultrasound?
Focused Ultrasound is an innovative, non-invasive therapy that uses targeted ultrasound waves to treat specific areas of the brain. By combining ultrasound energy with real-time MRI imaging, this treatment delivers precise therapy without the need for surgical incisions or more invasive surgery.

Key benefits of of ultrasound treatment include:

No surgical incisions or scars

Reduced risk of complications compared to other forms of surgery

Minimal recovery time

High precision targeting with advanced MRI guidance to protect healthy surrounding tissue
This procedure is an effective option for patients seeking significant, immediate and durable relief from debilitating tremor.
Which Conditions can currently be treated using Focused Ultrasound?
In Queen Square, MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound is currently used to treat two types of neurological tremor.
Essential Tremor
Often debilitating, this benign and progressive condition can make everyday tasks challenging. Focused ultrasound offers significant and durable improvement in tremor control and quality of life for those patients who do not obtain satisfactory relief from medication alone.
Tremor Dominant Parkinson’s Disease
For patients with a tremor dominant Parkinson’s Disease whose symptoms are resistant to medication, focused ultrasound can provide much-needed relief.
How Does Focused Ultrasound Work?
MR-Guided Focused ultrasound works by directing thousands of ultrasound waves to a precise target area deep within the brain. The procedure is guided using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), allowing our neurosurgeons and neurologists to visualise and target the precise area responsible for the tremor with high precision. When focused on the target area, the ultrasound waves create a rise in temperature at a small point within the targeted tissue, disrupting the abnormal signals causing the tremor, while leaving healthy surrounding tissue intact.
Benefits of MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound Treatment
MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound treatment offers numerous benefits, including:
Risks of MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound Treatment
As with all surgeries, there are some recognised but manageable risks and side effects associated with Focused Ultrasound, which may include:
During your pre-assessment for focused ultrasound treatment, these potential benefits and risks will be discussed by your surgeons and neurologist to determine whether MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound treatment is suitable for you.
What to Expect During Focused Ultrasound Treatment
For patients having MR Guided Focused Ultrasound treatment, here’s what a typical journey looks like at Queen Square:
The first step is typically a thorough assessment by a Consultant Neurologist from the Movement Disorders Group in Queen Square, who will assess your condition, learn about what treatment you have tried so far, and to determine your eligibility for other types of treatment, which may include MR Guided Focused Ultrasound.
On the day of treatment, you will undergo some neurology assessments before being prepared and positioned in the MRI scanner for your treatment. It is necessary that your head is shaved completely for focused ultrasound treatment.
If the neurologist determines that you might be a good candidate for surgical treatment, the next step is for you to attend an MDT consultation. This will involve an in depth consultation with a neurosurgeon and neurologist from our team, who will present and discuss all of the surgical treatment options that may be suitable for you. If treatment using focused ultrasound is suitable for you, you may then be referred from some scans (which we aim to complete on the same day). Following these assessments, we will then be able to schedule a day for your treatment to take place.
The procedure typically lasts a few hours and is performed with you awake. During the procedure, the neurologist will frequently come in to see you to perform some tests to ensure the treatment is being delivered to the precise spot responsible for your tremor.
You will have a consultant with a neurologist the day after your treatment to make sure you are feeling well and are free from side effects. We will then arrange to see you for follow up consultations at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year following your treatment to monitor your progress. More information about the process of aftercare and follow up consultation is available in article here.
After a short observation period in the department, most patients then can depart, either staying in a local hotel for one night, or returning home if you live close by.
Discover more information
MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound for Essential Tremor Patient Guide
MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound for Tremor-Dominant Parkinson’s Disease
Life After MR Guided Focused Ultrasound: Our guide to follow-up and post-treatment care
Understanding Recovery after MR Guided Focused Ultrasound Treatment
Is Focused Ultrasound Treatment Right for You?
Focused ultrasound is suitable for many patients, but eligibility depends on factors such as:
- The type and severity of your condition
- Your overall health and medical history
- Whether medications or other treatments have been ineffective
During your early assessments, our specialists will discuss your case in detail to determine if focused ultrasound is the best option for you.
The treatment has been extensively researched and is supported by clinical trials demonstrating its effectiveness for Essential Tremor and Tremor-Dominant Parkinson’s Disease.

Find out if focused ultrasound treatment is right for you?
Success Stories: Real Patients, Real Results
In Queen Square, we have helped many patients regain control of their lives, get back to work with confidence, and return to enjoying their hobbies through focused ultrasound treatment.
“After completion of the treatment, I felt elated. On the first evening, I celebrated by eating a Japanese meal with chopsticks, which I had not done for over six years. Now, I can confidently use my right hand and arm to do many, many more things. Hobbies, eating, writing, throwing a ball for my dog are all easier and more pleasurable.”
These stories highlight the transformative impact of this cutting-edge therapy.
Why Choose Queen Square for Focused Ultrasound Treatment?
Queen Square is a global leader in neurological treatments, with a reputation for excellence in patient care. By choosing Queen Square, you benefit from:

Specialist Expertise:
Our team of neurologists and radiologists are highly experienced in performing functional neurosurgery, of which focused ultrasound is just one of several specialist methods our team can use. The functional neurosurgery team of Queen Square are the largest and most active of their kind in the UK, performing more functional neurosurgical treatments for tremor each year than any other centre combined.

Advanced Technology:
We use state-of-the-art MRI and high-intensity focused ultrasound equipment to ensure precision and safety. Our image guidance is performed using MRI techniques that were developed in Queen Square, and not currently available elsewhere.

Comprehensive Support:
From your initial consultation to post-treatment follow-ups, we provide personalised care that is always tailored to your needs.
Consultants and Specialists at Queen Square
In Queen Square, our team of consultants and specialists are leaders in the field of Focused Ultrasound treatment. Together, our team collaborates to provide comprehensive care and tailored treatment plans for patients with Essential Tremor and other conditions treatable with Focused Ultrasound.

Professor Ludvic Zrinzo
Consultant Neurosurgeon

Mr Jonathan Hyam
Consultant Neurosurgeon

Mr Harith Akram
Consultant Neurosurgeon

Professor Patricia Limousin
Consultant Neurologist

Professor Tom Foltynie
Consultant Neurologist

Dr Tabish Saifee
Consultant Neurologist

Dr Prasad Korlipara
Consultant Neurologist
Clinical Trials and Research in Focused Ultrasound
Queen Square is at the forefront of clinical trials and research in Focused Ultrasound, continually striving to enhance treatment options for patients. We are actively involved in several clinical trials exploring the use of Focused Ultrasound for conditions such as Essential Tremor, Parkinson’s disease, and other conditions that may be treated using functional neurosurgery.
Our research aims to improve the safety and efficacy of Focused Ultrasound treatment and to discover new therapeutic applications for this innovative technology. By participating in these trials, we contribute to the advancement of medical science and offer our patients access to cutting-edge treatments.

Frequently asked questions
Book a Consultation for Focused Ultrasound Treatment at Queen Square
Take the first step towards relief from your tremor and an improved quality of life. Book an initial consultation today to learn more about how Focused Ultrasound at Queen Square can help you. For more information, contact us at treatment@queensquare.com, or 020 7833 2513.
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