Focused ultrasound steadies hand of essential tremor/Parkinson's patient

James (Jim) Heller has lived with essential tremor and Parkinson’s for several years, causing severe shaking in his hands. Desperate for relief, Jim turned to IU Health’s focused ultrasound (FUS) program. FUS is a no‑incision treatment that uses concentrated sound waves to target and destroy the brain cells that cause tremors.

Patients typically have one side treated first and then wait a period of time before addressing the other. IU Health neurosurgeon, Dr. Thomas Witt focused first on Jim's dominant right hand.