I wanted to be part of the focused ultrasound clinical trial because 
my hand had gotten so bad, it was like frustrating to do little things 
every day. And the thought that maybe there was something that could 
get my hand back, to use it again, was very exciting to me. 
Research advances medicine. Research pioneers treatments. Research 
pursues cures. Research improves patient care. Research thrives at 
UVA.

I first realized I had the tremor when I was still teaching back in 
New Jersey. was dropping things. I was having a hard time writing. I 
couldnÕt cut coupons from the newspaper, normal everyday activities, 
putting on makeup and stuff. So, it was making life very difficult and 
frustrating.

I'm really proud of our center here for focused ultrasound technology. 
We were really the first team that organized a clinical trial for 
essential tremor back in 2011. And we've been able to stop people's 
tremors so that they can really regain the ability to do some of the 
basic activities that we take for granted.

IÕd get used to doing everything with my right hand and then it 
wouldnÕt work for me. It would shake and tremble. I didnÕt know how 
bad it was going to get, and I felt like I wouldnÕt be able to do 
anything so, I was very happy to have this focused ultrasound 
treatment. We can focus beams of ultrasound very precisely through the 
skull and treat abnormal circuits of the brain without any incisions 
or openings in the skull. And so far, our initial experience with 
that's been very positive.

MRI guided focused ultrasound is a non-invasive technology that can be 
used to treat tremors. By focusing sound waves precisely, a 
neurosurgeon creates a lesion in the brain that minimizes the abnormal 
tremor.

What weÕre looking for with the focused ultrasound clinical trial for 
Essential Tremor is a reduction in their tremor. The tremor that was 
interfering with their quality of life, interfering with their ability 
to do things for themselves, abilities to eat without spilling, drink 
from a cup without a lid or a straw, put a key in a keyhole and drive. 
A reduction of their tremor can make a big difference in the things 
theyÕre able to do. The other positive aspect of this is that itÕs a 
one-time treatment. So, once the treatmentÕs over, the lesion is made, 
and they see the results immediately.
 
We really have a really excellent pioneering group of clinical 
researchers here, studying focused ultrasound. There's no one person 
that could solve any of these problems. So I think when we bring an 
entire team approach to the problem, we're really able to look at it 
more broadly and advance the options for patients, so that they're 
better treatments. And that's really been a driving force for our 
clinical research program.

After the treatment, I was able to do things I havenÕt done in years. 
I was able to put on makeup, and cook, use a knife again. It just 
gave me so much confidence to feel like I could do things again. 
She doesnÕt have to worry about being an invalid for the rest of her 
life and this progressing. 

ThatÕs the most important thing.