“This technique will allow us to understand: why do some people get this rebound? Why do others have a really good long-term outcome? And these results will help us improve the planning, targeting, and outcomes of MRI-guided focused ultrasound.”
Watch the full interview with Dr Arthur Thevathasan below.
Project Summary:
Essential Tremor is a common and disabling condition, affecting one in five people over the age of 65. Medications are often ineffective, but a major advancement involves MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS), which delivers targeted energy to a specific brain region that contributes to tremor. MRgFUS creates a permanent, precise ‘lesion’ in this area that may permanently reduce tremor severity.
Despite its promise, long-term effectiveness varies. Some patients experience sustained relief, while others see tremor return. Understanding which brain networks contribute to this recurrence is critical. Our team will use advanced neuroimaging techniques to study changes in personalised brain networks after MRgFUS. Unlike older approaches, a novel technique, Fixel-Based Analysis, is more sensitive and specific to mapping brain networks. It has demonstrated improved accuracy and clinical relevance in studies of epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and traumatic brain injury.
We will analyse MRIs taken at 1 day, 3 months, and 12 months post-procedure to identify networks linked to long-term tremor return. Insights from this pilot study could help target specific nerve fibres during MRgFUS to improve outcomes and determine the optimal timing for network assessment, guiding follow-up and resource allocation.
Practising within one of Australia’s busiest movement disorder services, and in partnership with the Florey Institute, our team is well placed to advance our understanding of personalised brain networks in Essential tremor. Findings from this study may inform larger trials and ultimately be considered for patient care.
The Brain Foundation is dedicated to funding the next generation of Australian research into brain disorders, diseases, and injuries, with the ultimate goal of advancing diagnoses, treatments, and patient outcomes.