Vanderbilt Uses Ultrasound to Treat Chronic Tremors

Nashville patient Jackie Todd reports symptom improvement after non-invasive focused ultrasound procedure.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Stroke

Vanderbilt Uses Ultrasound to Treat Chronic Tremors

Vanderbilt University Medical Center successfully treated Jackie Todd, who lived with tremors for over 40 years, using a non-invasive focused ultrasound technique. The patient saw immediate symptom relief following the October 2026 procedure.

Why it matters

Focused ultrasound provides a non-surgical alternative to help reduce tremors and improve daily quality of life for patients who have struggled with the condition for decades. While the procedure offers significant relief, medical experts clarify that it is not a cure for tremors.

The procedure utilizes MRI-guided sound waves to target specific brain regions in patients who have endured tremors for 40 years. While effective for symptom management, this treatment represents a functional intervention rather than a permanent cure.

The players

Jackie Todd

A patient at Vanderbilt University Medical Center who lived with tremors for over four decades before undergoing focused ultrasound treatment.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

A Nashville-based academic medical center that performs advanced neurological procedures, including MRI-guided focused ultrasound.

The details

During the procedure, clinicians apply a numbing agent and fit a stabilizing headframe before using an MRI to direct sound waves toward the brain. Patients remain awake during the sonications, allowing the medical team to monitor tremor reduction and screen for potential side effects in real-time.

Jackie Todd underwent his initial right-side treatment in approximately January 2026.
The follow-up treatment on his left side occurred in October 2026.

Health Landscape

The Vanderbilt University Medical Center neurosurgery program demonstrates how focused ultrasound is shifting from experimental research to a standard clinical option for patients with chronic tremors. This procedure follows the clinical trajectory established by the medical center in applying non-invasive ultrasound technology to treat complex neurological conditions.

This procedure offers a non-invasive option for patients who may want to avoid surgical incisions for tremor management. Patients interested in this treatment must consult with specialists to determine if their condition qualifies for MRI-guided ultrasound therapy.

The takeaway

Focused ultrasound allows patients to remain awake during the process, providing medical teams the ability to immediately assess the impact of each sonication on tremors. Those living with chronic conditions should discuss with their neurologists whether non-invasive alternatives are available for their specific symptoms.