A revolutionary non-invasive focused ultrasound treatment has offered a life-changing solution for Parkinson's disease patients experiencing debilitating tremors. Bud Leavell, a 72-year-old retiree, recently had his years-long hand tremor vanish within minutes of undergoing the new procedure at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

The treatment, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2026, targets the primary motor symptoms of Parkinson's, including tremors, stiffness, and slowness. Unlike traditional deep brain stimulation, which requires surgical implantation of electrodes and opening the skull, this focused ultrasound therapy is non-invasive.

Leavell, diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2017 after thyroid cancer surgery, struggled with tremors that made everyday activities difficult, including his hobby of repairing radios. "My voice was weak and gravelly, and within a few days, a tremor set into my right hand," Leavell told Fox News Digital. "Before this time, I was experiencing a slow loss of my sense of smell."

Dr. Bhavya Shah, a neuroradiologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, guided Leavell through the new treatment. High-energy ultrasound waves are focused through the skull onto specific targets deep within the brain. This energy heats and ablates the targeted nerve bundles, interrupting the abnormal electrical activity that causes symptoms like tremors.

"The beauty of focused ultrasound is that before we permanently remove the tissue, we can use low-energy ultrasound waves to see if the patient's symptoms respond to the particular target," Shah explained. "This is very important, as the optimal target may vary in patients." The medical center utilizes advanced imaging to map the brain prior to the procedure, ensuring precision.

Leavell's tremor responded significantly even to the initial low-energy ultrasound, giving the medical team confidence in the chosen target. "Although the cardinal symptoms of Parkinson's disease are slowness and stiffness, Bud’s most bothersome symptom was tremor, so getting rid of the shaking was our primary goal," Shah added.

Immediately after the April 13 procedure, Leavell reported his tremor was gone. "I can hold my hand still with or without a tool in my hand or while working on a project," he said. He has since returned to repairing antique radios and can now eat with ease.

While the treatment shows promise, Dr. Shah noted potential risks such as numbness, tingling, walking or talking difficulties, balance issues, or memory impairment, which occur in approximately 20% to 30% of patients and typically improve over time. A key difference from deep brain stimulation is that focused ultrasound is not adjustable; if symptoms return, a repeat treatment may be necessary, as long-term data is still being gathered.

"For patients seeking an alternative to an implantable device, focused ultrasound represents a promising alternative," Shah stated. "A patient considering these options should have a thorough discussion with their movement disorder neurologist to really understand the pros and cons of each treatment."

Leavell encourages others who might be candidates for the therapy to seek consultation, calling it "a dramatic and life-changing procedure."