Clinical outcomes at 6 months after MRgFUS thalamotomy in Parkinson's disease: a large longitudinal cohort study.

Abstract

BackgroundMagnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is an expanding therapy for tremor in Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aimed to characterize trajectories of tremor and cognitive functions following MRgFUS treatment over 24 hours, 1 month, and 6 months, and to explore potential predictors of outcomes.MethodsThis single-center, prospective, observational cohort study included PD patients undergoing MRgFUS over a 7-year period. Tremor severity was assessed using the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (FTM) and the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III (MDS-UPDRS-III). Cognitive performance was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).Results107 patients were included. Tremor severity showed a significant time effect (FTM and MDS-UPDRS-III: both p ConclusionsMRgFUS provided meaningful tremor improvement without negative effects on cognition. The significant LEDD reduction at 6 months supports a beneficial medication-sparing effect associated with tremor improvement.