UHS is proud to offer cutting-edge treatment options close to home, including Focused Ultrasound, a minimally invasive procedure for patients with essential tremor or tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease. Recently, the UHS Neurosurgery team celebrated its 100th Focused Ultrasound procedure – a significant milestone representing 100 patients receiving this life-changing treatment to relieve their symptoms.
What is essential tremor?
Essential tremor is a neurological condition characterized by uncontrollable shaking for brief periods of time on one or both sides of the body. Symptoms can worsen with time and during purposeful movement, such as cooking, writing, or driving. Despite affecting an estimated 2% of the population, the condition often goes undiagnosed, and about one-third of those living with it never receive treatment.
Even for those diagnosed, treatment can be challenging. Some patients do not respond to or tolerate medications, or find their medication decreases in effectiveness over time. For those patients, Focused Ultrasound offers a promising alternative.
One patient’s journey to a steadier tomorrow
Focused Ultrasound is a state-of-the-art procedure that uses sound waves guided by MRI to treat the source of the tremor with no need for incisions or permanent implants. The procedure treats one side of the brain at a time, relieving tremor symptoms on one side of the body. After a minimum of nine months, patients can elect to treat the other side, if needed.
David Tomasko of Binghamton, NY, became UHS’ 100th Focused Ultrasound patient when he received his second procedure in December 2025. For Mr. Tomasko, undergoing the procedure was important for his line of work. “I test circuit boards for a living, and the last thing you want to do is drop one,” Mr. Tomasko shared. “It was a big concern for me, because I like working and I want to keep working – so that brought me to seek out Focused Ultrasound.”
Diagnosed over a decade ago, Mr. Tomasko initially managed his tremor with medication, but symptoms persisted and affected his confidence. “It can be unnerving to have other people notice the shaking, and wondering what’s wrong,” he shared, noting the effect the tremor had impeding his overall quality of life.
When UHS began offering Focused Ultrasound in late 2024, Mr. Tomasko was eager to undergo the procedure. The results from his first side procedure were immediate. “Afterwards, the effects were amazing. I could carry things in my right hand again, and my hand was perfectly steady,” he said.
Mr. Tomasko also noted his recovery was quick – he returned to work just days after his procedure. One of the many benefits of Focused Ultrasound for patients is the speedy recovery time. Focused Ultrasound is an outpatient treatment, with patients returning home on the same day.
Nearly a year later, Mr. Tomasko was excited to receive his second side procedure. While he was happy to have a steady right hand, he couldn’t wait for the second treatment to restore a sense of balance and overall confidence in his physical well-being. “It’s not just about reducing the shaking – it improves your whole quality of life,” Mr. Tomasko said. “Thanks to Focused Ultrasound, I don’t have to worry anymore.”
As an additional benefit, Mr. Tomasko shared that he was looking forward to no longer taking prescribed medications to treat his tremor, which he noted were less effective and could have side effects. For patients with essential tremor, Focused Ultrasound represents a far more effective – and permanent – treatment than the options available before.
Of his care experience at UHS, Mr. Tomasko shared that he felt supported throughout the entire journey. “With the support I received from the providers and staff at UHS, I never felt nervous or had any doubts about the procedure,” he said. “Any questions I had were answered clearly and thoroughly, and everyone I’ve interacted with has been so reassuring every step of the way.”
The innovative treatment you deserve, without the barriers
UHS is proud to be the first healthcare system in Upstate New York to offer Focused Ultrasound. Since launching the Focused Ultrasound program at UHS in 2024, demand has exceeded expectations. Previously, patients would have to travel long distances to major metropolitan areas such as New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia for this treatment. For local patients like Mr. Tomasko, UHS has made this truly life-changing treatment convenient and accessible.
Focused Ultrasound is available to a wide range of patients, with no upper age limit for treatment. The procedure is covered by Medicare, New York State Medicaid, and most private insurers, reducing financial barriers for those seeking relief.
To learn more about Focused Ultrasound at UHS, click here.