HIFU: An Outpatient Procedure for Essential Tremor

Jack Shostak has had essential tremor since he was a child. A condition that ran in his family, essential tremor is a neurologic condition that causes involuntary shaking. For Shostak, simple activities like eating became a challenge. Duke Health neurosurgeon Stephen Harward, MD treated Shostak's right hand using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). This short, outpatient procedure requires no incisions and offers immediate results. Today, Shostak’s right-hand tremor is barely noticeable. He will receive HIFU treatment for his left hand at a later date.