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The Queen Square Imaging Centre launches its new MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound Service for the treatment of Essential Tremor

The Queen Square Imaging Centre in London has installed the UK independent healthcare sector’s first MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound System – a cutting-edge treatment that can give immediate relief for people living with Essential Tremor. 

Over one million people are diagnosed with Essential Tremor in the UK, with around 25% suffering from disabling tremors. MR-guided Focused Ultrasound is a technique that uses precision-guided sound waves to achieve targeted thermal tissue ablation of key areas within the brain that cause the uncontrollable shaking or trembling associated with the condition.

Through a unique collaboration with the functional neurosurgeons of the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square will be the only location in the UK to be able to offer patients the choice of all primary surgical treatment options for Essential Tremor (alongside Deep Brain Stimulation and Radiofrequency Ablation).  Patients referred to Queen Square Focused Ultrasound will be seen by leading consultants with a well-established reputation in the management and treatment of functional movement disorders. 

“We have been using minimal access techniques to treat tremor at Queen Square for many years” said Mr Jonathan Hyam, Consultant Neurosurgeon. “This new focused ultrasound technique will be a further leap as there is no requirement for an incision in the scalp or skull, or passage of instruments through the brain. Many patients find this more acceptable and desirable.  Focused Ultrasound therapy provides the opportunity for patients to undergo brain treatment as a day case or outpatient procedure. It also increases the number of patients who can be offered treatment since patients with other significant medical conditions can usually be treated this way”

The focused ultrasound system is owned and operated by QS Enterprises Ltd, a not-for-profit trading subsidiary of the UCLH Charity.  CEO, Jodee Cooper said, “We are pleased to continue our long history of supporting clinical services in Queen Square by making this investment to bring this novel treatment option to Queen Square. Whilst we will begin as a private patient service, it is our intention to seek NHS commissioning in time to assist with the burden on growing NHS waiting lists. We are also looking forward to collaborating with the neurosurgeons on research which will hopefully develop new applications for this treatment beyond Essential Tremor.” For more information about the Focused Ultrasound service in Queen Square, or to refer a patient for MDT pre-assessment, please contact treatment@queensquare.com.