Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Uses Non-Invasive Brain Therapy to Treat Hand Tremors

New Delhi: A retired schoolteacher who had lived with severe hand tremors for years has found relief after undergoing a non-surgical procedure at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. Doctors at the hospital said they successfully performed MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) thalamotomy, a treatment that does not involve cuts or implants.

The hospital’s medical team explained that MRgFUS is a non-invasive technique that uses focused ultrasound beams guided by MRI imaging to target specific regions of the brain responsible for tremors. It is especially useful for patients suffering from essential tremors and tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease.

The procedure works by creating a small, precise lesion in the brain to interrupt the irregular signals causing the tremors. Since there are no incisions or implanted devices, the risk of complications is lower and recovery is faster compared to traditional surgery.

According to the doctors, the patient had become increasingly self-conscious due to her condition. Everyday tasks such as drinking water, eating without help, and signing documents had become difficult. After multiple unsuccessful treatments and consultations with different specialists, she was advised to consider deep brain stimulation, a procedure that involves implanting a brain pacemaker. This suggestion added to her anxiety.

Initially, she considered seeking treatment in the UK but was discouraged by long waiting periods. She later discovered the procedure was available in India and consulted Dr. Anshu Rohatgi, Vice Chairman of the Department of Neurology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, who explained the benefits of MRgFUS.

The patient reported noticeable improvement during the procedure itself, with tremors in her right hand stopping immediately. By the next day, she was able to drink without spilling, eat on her own, and write with a steady hand. These were tasks that had previously been nearly impossible.

Dr. Ajay Swaroop, Chairman of the Board of Management at the hospital, noted that this is the first non-invasive treatment for severe movement disorders in North India. He highlighted its importance for patients who do not respond to conventional treatments.

Dr Satnam Chhabra, chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery, added, "This highly precise procedure was performed by a team comprising neurologists, neurosurgeons, and neuroradiologists. As this is completely non-invasive, all risks associated with open surgery are effectively avoided."

The hospital team says it will continue offering this procedure as an option for those struggling with tremor-related disorders and looking for alternatives to surgery.