Opinion
Video
Exablate Neuro for Control of Tremor and Mobility in PD
Author(s):
An expert neurologist provides an overview of exablate neuro, an ultrasound device used to control physical symptoms of PD. He also reviews study results and ongoing clinical studies.
This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Zoltan Mari, MD.
The Exablate technology is a significant advancement in medical treatment. Approved in the United States in 2016 for essential tremor and unilateral ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) thalamotomy, and later for Parkinson's disease tremor in 2018, its efficacy has been noted. An amended FDA approval in 2022 allowed repeat intervention for essential tremor, addressing the common reduction of tremor benefits over time. Ongoing studies explore expanding Exablate's use for Parkinson's disease symptoms beyond tremor, targeting dyskinesias and dystonias, notably the Globus Pallidus Pars interna (GPI). While thalamotomy predates Exablate, its traditional methods were more invasive and less precise. GPI lesioning for advanced Parkinson's disease has historical significance but is now significantly less invasive with Exablate. Further FDA approvals may broaden Exablate's indications to include GPI targeting for Parkinson's disease, enhancing its utility beyond tremor reduction. It's important to note that deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a well-established alternative for advanced Parkinson's disease, targeting GPI and offering bilateral treatment, unlike Exablate's current unilateral approach. Thus, while Exablate represents a promising advancement, its full potential hinges on regulatory approval expansions and comparative effectiveness with established treatments like DBS.
Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by NeurologyLive editorial staff.
