Researchers at the University of North Carolina have advanced the treatment of movement disorders in Parkinson’s disease by using focused ultrasound, a noninvasive approach guided by magnetic resonance imaging. The findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and highlight a procedure that avoids any surgical opening of the skull while delivering precise brain modulation.
The method targets a deep brain region known as the globus pallidus, a key node in circuits that control movement. By directing focused ultrasound waves to this area, clinicians disrupt malfunctioning connections and recalibrate neural activity. The entire process takes place under MRI guidance to ensure exact placement, and the energy is delivered without incisions or drilling. The goal is to correct pathological brain signaling that contributes to tremors, rigidity, and slowed movement in Parkinson’s patients.
Among the 69 participants in the study, roughly seven out of ten experienced some degree of improvement following the procedure. Those who returned for evaluation at the three‑month mark continued to demonstrate meaningful gains in mobility and reductions in tremor and muscle stiffness associated with the disease. At the one-year follow-up, 30 individuals reported that the benefits persisted, suggesting a durable effect for a substantial subset of patients.
Researchers see this focused ultrasound approach as a potential option for patients who either cannot undergo deep brain stimulation or prefer to avoid implanted electrodes. Deep brain stimulation, while effective, involves surgery to place electrodes within the brain. The ultrasound technique offers a comparable symptom‑relieving goal without implants, which could appeal to patients seeking less invasive therapy or those who face medical considerations that make traditional surgery less suitable.
While the results are encouraging, experts emphasize that ongoing studies are needed to confirm long‑term safety and to identify which patients are most likely to benefit. The researchers note that careful patient selection, precise targeting, and rigorous follow‑up are essential to maximize outcomes and monitor any potential side effects. This line of investigation underscores a broader shift toward noninvasive brain therapies that aim to restore function by modulating neural networks rather than removing or altering brain tissue through invasive procedures.