Damaging the brain to relieve disease symptoms. New therapy now available in Norway

The approval of MRgFUS was welcomed by doctors at Oslo University Hospital, who had been waiting for the opportunity to use this technology for some time. According to Marit Lind, managing director at Helse Nord, the new method is intended for patients who cannot or do not want to undergo deep brain stimulation surgery.

Essential tremor affects about one percent of the Norwegian population, which is nearly 50,000 people. The disease manifests as rhythmic shaking of the hands, head, or voice, which worsens in stressful situations or when tired.

The new treatment method is to be introduced at St. Olav's Hospital or the capital's university hospital, after agreements are made between equipment suppliers and regional health authorities. The therapy is planned to launch in mid-February 2026. MRgFUS does not require anesthesia – the patient is conscious during the procedure and remains in the MRI machine for about two hours. Previous patient experiences from other countries, including Denmark, indicate positive treatment effects and improved quality of life.

The method, already used in many countries, uses ultrasound to create small, controlled lesions in brain tissue. This action can alleviate disease symptoms.

A report prepared by the Norwegian Medicines Agency shows that MRgFUS is a safe and effective method for reducing hand tremors and improving motor functions. According to one of the report's authors, Jon-Vidar Gausdal, the procedure leads to significant improvement in daily functioning, and the recovery period is very short.

However, some side effects occurred, such as numbness or gait disturbances, which in most cases were mild and temporary. Researchers also point out that the effectiveness of the treatment may last much longer than a year after the procedure.