Focused Ultrasound for Essential Tremor in Denmark: Results After 1 Year of Follow‐Up
Victor Hvingelby, Pernille Kjeldsen, Bo Bergholt, Gaston Schechtmann, Erik Hvid Danielsen, Mette Møller, Erik Lisbjerg Johnsen, Skirmante Mardosiene, Torben Ellegaard Lund, Dora Grauballe, Michael Geneser, Tina Vincens Sørensen, Lisa Østergaard Bak, Martin Andreasen, Hamed Zaer, Anne Sofie Møller Andersen, Lone Andersen, Kaare Meier, Niels Juul, Alp Tankisi, Bo Jespersen, Mads Rasmussen, Winnie Bechmann Eriksen, Birgitte Barrutia, Mette Kromann, Ida Baandrup, Jette Bjørn, Rie Stjernholm, Charlotte Bræmer‐Madsen, Signe Mygdal Jørgensen, Dan Bang, Nicola Pavese, Jens Christian Hedemann Sørensen, Andreas Nørgaard GludAbstract
Background
Essential tremor (ET) is the most common hyperkinetic movement disorder. Magnetic resonance‐guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy (MRgFUSTh) has become an established therapy in drug‐refractory tremor as one treatment option. Here, we present the results of a large cohort of MRgFUSTh‐treated ET patients followed‐up 1 year post‐ablation.
Objective
The primary endpoint durability of tremor reduction at 12 months at this timepoint.
Methods
This was a single‐hospital cohort study. Prior to, and 12 months after, treatment, patients were rated according to the Fahn–Tolosa–Marin (FTM) scale, Quality of Life in Essential Tremor (QUEST) scale, Patient Global Assessment of Change (PGIC), as well as general health, well‐being, and factors relating to social and everyday activities. Finally, side effects and adverse event data were collected at 12 months.
Results
The current cohort comprised 111 patients. Patients showed good response to MRgFUSTh with a mean decrease of 29.5 points in the total FTM‐score from pretreatment (95% CI: 26.3; 32.8, P < 0.0001) corresponding to 62.4% (95% CI: 56.4%; 68.5%). This meant a reduction in the FTM‐score of 13.8 points (± 5.2 points, 95% CI: 12.79; 14.73, P < 0.00001) or 85.2% (±24.2%, 95% CI: 80.70%; 89.78%) in the treated limb. For QUEST, symptoms improved by 20.9 points (95% CI: 12.1; 29.6, P < 0.0001) corresponding to a relative improvement of 54% (95% CI: 33.2%; 75.5%).
Conclusion
Results showed clear and persistent tremor improvements as assessed by both clinicians and patients. © 2026 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.