Duke Neurosurgery is the first in the area to offer the life-changing treatment for essential tremor
David Phillips of Hope Mills, NC has had essential tremors in both hands for more than a decade. The tremors worsened over time until the 72-year-old could no longer button his shirt, drink from an open glass, or write. In January 2023, a Duke neurologist told Phillips about a new treatment called high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). This short, outpatient procedure requires no incisions and offers immediate results. “I told her to sign me up,” he said.
Phillips underwent HIFU for his right hand in May 2023. Today, his right-hand tremor is barely noticeable. Phillips can do things he couldn’t before and is counting down the days until he can undergo HIFU for his left hand.
HIFU uses sound waves to pinpoint targeted areas of the brain and essentially end debilitating tremors in a single procedure.
See a video and read more about HIFU and David's story on dukehealth.org.