Magnetic resonance-guided ultrasound thalamotomy for essential tremor: a review

Essential tremor (ET) is a common neurological disorder characterized by involuntary, rhythmic shaking, primarily of the hands. While not life-threatening, ET significantly impairs quality of life. Pharmacological treatments, like beta-blockers or anticonvulsants, often have limited efficacy, leading patients to more aggressive alternatives such as surgical intervention. Recently, magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound has emerged as an alternative to surgical procedures, offering incisionless lesioning of the thalamus, resulting in immediate and sustained tremor reduction. This review explores the MRgFUS technique in the treatment of ET, reviewing clinical efficacy, safety, and procedural advances. A literature search was conducted using PubMed for articles published between January 2015 and March 2024, with the terms: 'MRgFUS,' 'essential tremor,' 'focused ultrasound thalamotomy,' and 'bilateral thalamotomy.' Key points such as patient selection, skull density ratio, monitoring, thermal effects and tractography are discussed. MRgFUS has transformed the treatment of ET by providing a precise, incisionless alternative now included in clinical guidelines. Challenges such as SDR limitations or restricted approved-indications limit its extended use. Advances in targeting, thermometry and other biological effects such as histotripsy could expand accessibility and indications. By 2035, MRgFUS could become a standard outpatient procedure for ET and other brain disorders.