RCT | Effects of globus pallidus focused ultrasound ablation in Parkinson’s disease

Summary: The study evaluated the efficacy and safety of unilateral focused ultrasound ablation of the internal segment of globus pallidus in patients with Parkinson’s disease and dyskinesias or motor fluctuations. The randomized controlled trial involved 94 patients who were either assigned to undergo ultrasound ablation or a sham procedure. The study found that unilateral pallidal ultrasound ablation resulted in a higher percentage of patients who improved motor function or reduced dyskinesia than a sham procedure over a period of 3 months but was associated with adverse events. The study suggests the need for longer and larger trials to determine the effect and safety of this technique in persons with Parkinson’s disease.

Article: Trial of Globus Pallidus Focused Ultrasound Ablation in Parkinson’s Disease – New England Journal of Medicine (link to abstract – $ for full-text)

News Release: Parkinson’s Disease Patients Experience Significant Reduction in Symptoms with Non-Surgical Focused Ultrasound Treatment – University of Maryland School of Medicine

Commentary: Focused ultrasound reduces physical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease – Health Imaging

Video Summary: Focused Ultrasound Ablation for Parkinson’s Disease | NEJM