Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that involves the basal ganglia of the brain. It occurs due to reduced amounts of dopamine in the nigrostriatal tracts of the basal ganglia. It presents as decreased speed and accuracy of movements in general, tremors, an expression-less face, and a peculiar gait. 

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan uses radio waves and a high magnetic field to produce detailed 3-dimensional images of the body. Conventionally, the area involving the pathology is determined using imaging techniques like CT-scans and MRI’s, after which invasive brain surgery is done to get rid of the problematic tissue. 

All you need to know about the newer and advanced MRI techniques

Advanced MRI scans can, in addition, pinpoint the exact pea-sized area that is involved in Parkinson’s disease or essential tremors. Magnetic Resonance guided high intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) can be used to ablate and burn small regions of brain tissues without any invasive brain surgery! It basically targets the very area that is problematic and interrupts the circuits that are responsible for tremors or Parkinsonism in a non-invasive way. One such method is “diffusion tractography”, which makes use of the movement of water molecules to detect tracts linking various parts of the brain tissue. One such method for targeting is QSM (Quantitative Structural Mapping). 

And after localization, high-frequency ultrasound is used to ablate the problematic tissue. Currently, procedures are done only unilaterally, to avoid possible serious complications. However, studies for bilateral procedures are ongoing.

Why are these advanced MRI scans preferred?

• Motor symptoms of Parkinson’s are relieved. 
• No implants are required, unlike the older techniques that demanded implanting batteries and wires. 
• We need not open up the skull; it is non-invasive!
• It does not require anesthesia of the patient and can be conducted even if the patient is awake!
• As very little of the uninvolved area is disturbed, the adverse effects are very much reduced. 
• Also, it is a single procedure, unlike the conventional invasive methods that require repeated follow-up surgical procedures as well. 

Although Parkinson’s disease has no cure as for now, pre-clinical trials of these advanced techniques have shown outstanding results! 

Reasons you might need to avail an advanced MRI guided technique:

• Tremors, that start at one hand.
• Stiffness and rigidity in movements.
• Slow and delayed movements.
• Impaired balancing ability and falling repeatedly.
• Poor coordination while performing day to day activities.
• Involuntary movements
• Decreased facial expressions and speech difficulty.
• Unexplained dementia, restless sleep.
• Gait changes - slow and shuffling gait.
• Trembling, without any cause
• Amnesia and difficulty in thinking
• Chronic constipation, difficulty in swallowing.

If these problems persist even after adequate medical management, or you have some disabling motor complications, you must consult a specialist at the Radiology Centre at Harding, located in Morristown, New Jersey. Here, you can avail the advanced MRI guided techniques that will free you of these degenerative problems, so that you can lead a happy life!