Recent research , dedicated to MRI-guideded focused ultrasound (MRgFUS), has shown its promise in treating dystonia—a condition that causes involuntary movements and spasms. This method is non-invasive, meaning it does not require incisions. Instead, MRgFUS uses targeted ultrasound waves to heat specific areas of the brain, which can help alleviate symptoms of dystonia.
The global experience in treating dystonia with the MRgFUS method was until recently limited to a few publications, and pioneers in this field can be considered Shiro Horisawa and Takaomi Taira (Japan)
The study discussed today analyzed 11 different works examining the results of using MRgFUS for the treatment of dystonia. Despite the limited amount of data, the analyzed studies show positive results, making this method promising for widespread practice.
MRgFUS has several advantages over traditional surgical methods, including lower risks and more precise targeting of brain areas. This opens new horizons in the treatment of dystonia, and further research may lead to improved quality of life for patients suffering from this condition. Guinal SM, Jamora RDG, Khu KJO, Aguilar JA. Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound in dystonia: a scoping review. Neurol Sci. 2024 Nov 20. doi: 10.1007/s10072-024-07882-1. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39562491.
The discovery related to the use of MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) for the treatment of dystonia is of great significance for patients suffering from this condition. Dystonia manifests as involuntary muscle contractions, which can cause painful spasms, abnormal postures, and movement difficulties. These symptoms can significantly impair quality of life, limiting people’s abilities in daily activities.
MRgFUS is a non-invasive method that allows precise targeting of problem areas in the brain , causing dystonia. This means that patients can avoid traditional surgical interventions, which are associated with significant risks and prolonged recovery. This research shows that the method already demonstrates positive results for patients with dystonia, improving their condition and reducing symptoms.
Thus, MRgFUS opens new horizons in the treatment of dystonia, offering hope for more effective and safer ways to manage this complex condition. It is an important step towards improving the quality of life for patients, allowing them to return to active living and cope with symptoms that have long limited them.
This publication not only inspires but also emphasizes the importance of further research in this field. We are on the brink of a new era in neurology, where technologies can radically change the approach to patient treatment. Each new study in this area brings us closer to more effective and accessible treatment methods, which undoubtedly inspires and gives hope to many people.
Patients can take steps today to maintain their health, even before the implementation of new technologies such as MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS)
It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations, as they will help you better understand your condition and select the most appropriate treatment methods. You should consult with an knowledgeable and interested specialist experienced with dystonias, because dystonias are often mistaken for various functional disorders and variants of Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, it is important to conduct genetic testing.
Maintaining an active lifestyle also plays a key role in health. Regular physical activities, such as walking, swimming, or playing sports, can significantly improve your well-being
Don’t forget the importance of a balanced diet and adequate sleep, which also contribute to overall health. Each of us can take steps to manage our health, and these simple actions will help you feel better today.
The use of existing treatment methods, such as medication therapy or physiotherapy, can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. If therapeutic agents do not help, there are surgical treatment methods:
Our clinic is actively involved in the advancement of dystonia treatment using MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS). We are among the first in the world to implement this innovative technique and have already achieved significant success in its application.
In 2021, we conducted one of the world’s first treatments of dystonia using the MRgFUS method, marking an important milestone in our practice. In 2023, we continued to develop this technique, successfully applying it to treat various forms of dystonia, including cervical dystonia.
Our research and treatment results also confirm the effectiveness of MRgFUS , what makes it a promising direction for patients suffering from this condition
Our clinic offers not only treatment but also research in this field. We actively collaborate with leading medical institutions and universities, which allows us to expand the possibilities of using MRgFUS and improve the quality of medical care.
We strive to make treatment as accessible and effective as possible, and are ready to support our patients at every stage of their recovery journey. MRI-guided focused ultrasound opens new horizons in the treatment of dystonia and other movement disorders, and we are proud to be part of this progress.
Our approach to treating dystonia is comprehensive, individualized, and expert. It significantly increases our patients’ chances of improvement. We offer a rational selection of medications, allowing each patient to receive the drugs that suit them best.
Additionally, our clinic operates a patient school, where we teach you how to manage your condition, promoting more active participation in the treatment process and better outcomes. We also provide lifestyle and exercise recommendations, helping patients improve their quality of life and reduce disease symptoms.
These methods allow for minimally invasive procedures with high precision, significantly reducing risks and speeding up recovery. All these elements of our approach create synergy, giving patients a better chance of improving their condition and returning to a full life. We are confident that through our efforts and modern technologies, every patient can find hope for improvement and recovery.
If you or your loved one suffers from dystonia, pay attention to the new opportunity that can change your condition . MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a non-invasive technique that has already shown promising results. We invite you to schedule a consultation to learn more about the benefits of this innovation. You can also seek diagnostics or ask questions to our specialists.
Your activity can be the first step toward a better quality of life.
Don’t miss the chance to participate in the transformation of medicine!
Today we will tell you the story of a 32-year-old patient from a small seaside town who, along with his wife Irina and their 8-year-old son, faced a challenging condition—cervical dystonia.
A few years ago, a young man noticed a strange tension in the neck muscles, reminiscent of a childhood sunburn. Gradually, his head began to turn to the left. Working as a truck driver, he initially attributed it to work-related strain—after all, he had to constantly look out the left window and mirror.
When willpower was no longer enough to keep his head straight, it began to seriously interfere with his professional activities. After consulting a neurologist, he was diagnosed with cervical dystonia. Despite undergoing botulinum therapy courses, there were no significant improvements.
The pursuit of knowledge and faith in research led him to seek modern treatment. He discovered that there is a method of treatment using focused ultrasound. He found our innovative V.S. Buzaev International Medical Centre, we conducted an online consultation and prepared him for treatment.
29 October 2024, we conducted the treatment, and the result exceeded expectations. Before the treatment, the assessment on the scale Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) was 19 points. This is a true indicator of progress and the capabilities of modern medicine!
This is just one of many examples of how research is changing the understanding of treating complex diseases every day.
We lead in implementing the latest technologies and ideas to provide our patients with advanced solutions.
For those interested in research, the image below shows the results of our treatment of the first patients. One of the objective criteria for the severity of movement disorders is the scale TWSTRS (the more points, the more severe). You see in green on the left, the condition of patients (dots) before MRgFUS treatment of dystonia, on the right (dots) after treatment of dystonia with focused ultrasound. Lines connect the indicators of each patient, the rectangle with a line represents the median and quartiles. You see statistically significant improvements after treatment ( p=0.0025!). We officially published the results of treating dystonia with focused ultrasound in a peer-reviewed research journal (Galimova, R. M. et al. 2024: MRI-guided focused ultrasound in the treatment of cervical dystonia. Annals of Clinical and Experimental Neurology), also our results are analyzed in a chapter of the monograph “MRI-guided focused ultrasound in neurology” (Galimova R.M. et al., 2024) and Rezida Maratovna Galimova’s doctoral dissertation
Today we offer comprehensive treatment for movement disorders, tremor, Parkinson’s disease, and dystonia. Our team selects rational medication therapy, and we have a school for patients where you will receive practical advice and life hacks. If necessary, we have advanced surgical methods for you.
We are moving forward in partnership with everyone who strives to make medicine more accessible and effective.
Don’t miss the opportunity to move towards better health and well-being!
Using the current achievements of research and our center, we can offer hope for effective treatment today, providing patients with the highest standards of medical care.
There are several myths about MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) that can be dispelled based on the presented information.
Thus, MRI-guided focused ultrasound is not just a new technology, but an important step forward in the transformation of medicine, which can change the approach to treating dystonia and other diseases.
Doctor - Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Ultrasound Diagnostics Doctor