Published on Feb. 23, 2026
Imagine struggling to write your name, drink a glass of water, or hold a loved one’s hand without uncontrollable shaking. For millions of people with Essential Tremor (ET) and tremor-dominant Parkinson’s Disease, these everyday tasks become monumental challenges. Over time, as the condition worsens, simple actions that others take for granted become nearly impossible, significantly diminishing quality of life.
Understanding Essential Tremor
Essential Tremor is the most common movement disorder, affecting an estimated 10 million people in the United States alone. Unlike Parkinson’s disease, which is often accompanied by other neurological symptoms such as muscle rigidity or slowed movement, ET is primarily characterized by involuntary, rhythmic shaking in the hands, head, and voice.
ET occurs due to irregular electrical signals in the thalamus—the brain’s motor control center—that disrupt normal movement patterns. These erratic signals cause characteristic tremors that worsen over time. While the exact cause of ET is not fully understood, research suggests that it may have a genetic component, as it tends to run in families.
Although ET is not life-threatening, it can be profoundly disabling. Many patients experience significant emotional distress, embarrassment, and frustration as their tremors interfere with their ability to work, socialize, and perform daily tasks.
Breakthrough Treatments at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center
For years, medications such as beta-blockers and anti-seizure drugs have been the first line of treatment for ET. However, these medications are not always effective, and many patients experience side effects that limit their long-term use. Fortunately, the Movement Disorders Program at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center offers advanced, life-changing treatments for those whose tremors are resistant to medication.
The center provides two groundbreaking treatment options: MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). These procedures are giving patients new hope, helping them regain control over their movements and their lives.
MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound: A Minimally Invasive Solution
One of the most innovative treatments for essential tremor is MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS). This non-invasive, outpatient procedure uses ultrasound waves to create a small lesion in the thalamus, interrupting the irregular electrical signals that cause tremors.
Guided by MRI imaging, a neurosurgeon can precisely target the treatment area without affecting surrounding healthy brain tissue. Resulting in Immediate tremor reduction with minimal recovery time.
Devin K. Binder, M.D., Ph.D., neurosurgeon and medical director of the MemorialCare Neuroscience Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center, has performed over 200 MRgFUS procedures—making him the most experienced neurosurgeon performing this procedure on the West Coast.
"Treating patients with essential tremor or tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease is truly life-changing. These groundbreaking treatments enable patients to regain control of their lives and return to the activities they enjoy, free from the limitations of debilitating tremors."
- Dr. Binder
Patients must be at least 22 years of age and evaluated by their physician following a CT scan, and definitive diagnosis of Essential Tremor or Tremor-Dominant Parkinson's Disease.
Benefits of MRgFUS Include:
- Non-invasive procedure – This treatment does not require any incisions or implants, making it a less intrusive option for patients.
- Immediate results – Many patients experience a significant reduction in tremors during the procedure itself, providing quick relief.
- Less recovery time – Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days, minimizing downtime.
- Minimal side effects – Compared to traditional surgical interventions, MRgFUS has fewer risks and complications, making it a safer option for many patients.
Deep Brain Stimulation: A Long-Term Solution for Tremor Management
For patients who require an adjustable, long-term treatment option, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), sometimes called “a pacemaker for the brain”, offers another proven approach.
DBS is a surgical procedure in which a small, implantable device—similar to a pacemaker—sends electrical pulses to specific regions of the brain that control movement. By calming the overactive areas responsible for tremors, DBS helps patients regain voluntary control over their actions.
DBS can be performed unilaterally (one-sided) or bilaterally (two-sided) depending on whether one or both sides of the body experience symptoms. Overall, the goal of DBS treatment is to provide long-lasting improvement in one’s quality of life while allowing for programming adjustments, as needed, to maintain relief from the progressive symptoms of movement disorders.
The first step in the DBS procedure is to undergo specialized imaging such as MRI and CT scans to pinpoint the precise area within the brain responsible for the irregular electrical nerve signals and to determine the optimal pathway for implantation. With the target area identified, the electrodes are placed, and the neurosurgeon ensures they are effectively alleviating symptoms by making adjustments for maximum relief. Post-operative adjustments can be made during routine office visits to the patient’s neurologist and can later be controlled at home with a handheld remote.
The second step in the DBS procedure is to have a pacemaker-like device, called a pulse generator, implanted in the upper chest. From there, a hair-thin wire connects this battery to the implanted electrodes.
"Both MRgFUS and DBS are transformative treatments for essential tremor patients who don’t respond to medication,” says Dr. Binder. "MRgFUS provides a minimally invasive, outpatient solution with fast recovery, while DBS offers a long-term, adjustable option for managing tremors. These treatments help patients regain their independence and confidence."
Benefits of DBS:
- Adjustable settings – Doctors can fine-tune the electrical stimulation based on the patient’s needs.
- Long-term effectiveness – DBS has been shown to provide sustained symptom relief for many years.
- Reversible and programmable –DBS can be periodically adjusted or even turned off if necessary.
Raising Awareness for Essential Tremor
Despite being the most common movement disorder, ET remains largely underdiagnosed and undertreated. Many individuals simply accept their tremors as an unavoidable part of aging, unaware that effective treatments exist.
At MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center, patients with essential tremor are no longer forced to live with the frustration of uncontrolled shaking. Through the advanced treatments of MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound and Deep Brain Stimulation, they can reclaim their independence, confidence, and joy in life.
If you or a loved one is struggling with essential tremor or tremor-dominant Parkinson’s Disease, know that help is available through the Movements Disorders Program, please call (714) 378-5022 for more information. The expert team at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center is committed to providing compassionate, advanced care to help patients live life on their own terms—free from tremors.