Allina Health Neuroscience, Spine and Pain Institute launches focused ultrasound program

MINNEAPOLIS (Feb. 24, 2025) — Allina Health Neuroscience, Spine and Pain Institute is now offering focused ultrasound for patients with essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease. Abbott Northwestern Hospital is the second hospital in the Upper Midwest to perform this treatment and the only facility in the Twin Cities. 

Focused ultrasound is a noninvasive, outpatient procedure that uses high intensity sound waves to target specific tissue in the brain without making an incision or burr hole. Allina Health uses the Insightec Exablate Neuro platform. 

“Focused ultrasound is quite remarkable technology and a wonderful example of how our expert teams at Allina Health Neuroscience, Spine and Pain Institute are constantly working to bring new options and advancements to the Twin Cities.” said Sanjay Singh, MD, Allina Health Chief Clinical Executive. 

Physicians perform the treatment in a single session using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance. This allows for precise-targeting, temperature monitoring and immediate confirmation of treatment outcomes.

The treatment begins with low energy so patients can tell physicians about any sensations they feel or other potential side effects. Then the physician can make individualized adjustments and gradually increase the energy to create a small therapeutic lesion. 

“The results for many patients are immediate. The goal is for patients who have experienced years of tremors to see marked improvement before they leave the procedural room. They’re able to return home the same day with minimal complications. It’s amazing to watch the tremor in a person’s hand disappear in minutes,” said Kyle Nelson, MD, a neurosurgeon with Allina Health Neuroscience, Spine and Pain Institute. 

“These tremors can be extremely disabling and interfere with many everyday tasks. I'm thrilled to have another treatment to offer patients when medications aren't providing adequate benefit,” said Allyson Connor, MD, a movement disorder neurologist with Allina Health Neuroscience, Spine and Pain Institute.

The generosity of Allina Health Foundation donors made the purchase of focused ultrasound equipment possible.