Ground-Breaking HiFu Treatment Re-Opens a Door

Innovative non-invasive essential tremor treatment puts car enthusiast back in the driver’s seat

Dan lived with tremors in both of his hands for most of his life. What started as a manageable issue as he entered his teens slowly grew over the next six decades into something that affected his everyday tasks.

For others, tasks like writing, eating and buttoning a shirt are almost automatic functions that are performed rotely and quickly. But for Dan, these tasks were long, tedious struggles.

For a time, medications helped Dan’s essential tremor (ET), a neurological condition that is often hereditary. But then anything requiring hand control or precision became increasingly difficult, and medications, which had side effects, stopped working. Dan sought stability—physical and otherwise.

Exploring the Most Advanced Options in Tremor Care

Because Dan has essential tremor in both hands, basically every part of his life was affected. Dan and his wife knew that he had reached the point where he needed a treatment that did more than temporarily alleviate his rhythmic shaking, which often worsened with stress, fatigue, or extreme temperatures. 

Dan and his family learned about High Frequency Ultrasound (HiFu) and Focused Ultrasound (FUS), an incision-free procedure used for essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson’s Disease. The treatment is performed inside an MRI machine using targeted sound waves to precisely treat the source of the tremor. (Many patients search for tremor treatment options using terms like Focused Ultrasound (FUS), High Frequency Ultrasound (HiFu), or MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS), which all refer to the same incision-free technology.)

Dan met with Dr. Hooman Azmi, director of Functional and Restorative Neurosurgery at New Jersey Brain & Spine, to learn whether HiFu/FUS was right for him.

Dr. Azmi Focuses on Physical—and Metaphysical—Success

One of the things Dr. Azmi focuses on with every patient is identifying personal goals. These goals aren’t just symptom relief, but deeper reasons to pursue health improvements and lifestyle changes. 

For Dan, his goals were clear. First, he wanted to have quality time with his grandchildren, without his family worrying about him. Dan also wanted to return to restoring classic cars, especially his beloved ’69 Camaro. Car restoration is more than a hobby, it’s a part of who Dan is. But for too long, Dan’s tremor had taken that away. 

Dr. Azmi understood that immediately. Since he’s a car enthusiast himself,  Dr. Azmi knew exactly what it would mean for Dan to feel steady enough to get back under the hood.

Incision-Free Treatments Offer Immediate Impact

Dan required two HiFu/FUS procedures, one for each hand, spaced apart for safety and effectiveness.

Inside the MRI scanner, he wore a cooling cap that helped conduct the ultrasound energy while protecting his scalp. MRI guidance allowed Dr. Azmi to locate the precise target responsible for the tremor and apply the high-frequency ultrasound waves with extreme accuracy.

As soon as the procedure concluded, the difference was clear. Dan’s dominant hand steadied immediately in the MRI suite. After a 30-minute monitoring period, he was able to return home.

Returning to the Work He Loves

With both hands treated, Dan regained the ability to handle tools, write clearly, and perform fine-motor tasks that once felt impossible. Most importantly, he returned to restoring his Camaro.

He and a friend finished the project together, and the car won first place in a show.

A Meaningful Moment for Dr. Azmi

Weeks later, Dan drove the finished Camaro to the NJBS Paramus office to show Dr. Azmi what he was now able to do with confidence. For Dr. Azmi, it was a powerful reminder of what these treatments make possible. Tremor care is not only about reducing symptoms, it’s about returning people to the parts of life that matter most.

Moving Forward With Confidence

Dan’s story shows how High Frequency Ultrasound (HiFu/FUS) can restore independence, control, and quality of life for people living with essential tremor. For many, it opens doors that once felt permanently closed.

If you or someone you love is living with essential tremor or tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease, there are more options than ever. Treatments like HiFu and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) may significantly reduce or even eliminate tremors.

Contact New Jersey Brain & Spine to learn what options may be right for you.