Published on Sept. 2, 2025
At 66-years-old, Alan Schwendener never expected that one day, something as simple as holding a coffee cup would feel like nothing short of a miracle.
For decades, Alan lived with an uncontrollable tremor that began in high school and gradually disrupted nearly every part of his life. But thanks to a groundbreaking, non-invasive procedure called MR-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) at the Movement Disorders Program at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center, Alan now enjoys daily life without the shake that once defined it. With over 200 MRgFUS procedures completed, the Movement Disorders team has not only led the region in experience but also transformed the lives of patients seeking a non-invasive solution for tremor relief.
Living with Essential Tremor: Alan’s Journey
“I started shaking when I was nervous or tired back in high school,” Alan recalls. “I didn’t know what it was then—I had just thought I was a nervous kid.” But the tremor in his left hand worsened over time, and by his early 60s, it had progressed to the point where he could no longer drink from a cup, use a computer mouse, or even gesture naturally with his hands without feeling embarrassed or limited.
“I was talking to a friend once and without thinking, I grabbed my coffee with my left hand that had tremors and when I lifted it to my mouth it went everywhere,” he said. “That moment stuck with me.”
Understanding Essential Tremor and Its Impact
Alan was eventually diagnosed with essential tremor, a neurological disorder that causes rhythmic shaking, typically in the hands, arms, head, or voice. While it’s not life-threatening, essential tremor can be profoundly disruptive to daily life, and for Alan, it slowly chipped away at his independence and confidence.
Despite hearing about the MRgFUS procedure years ago, Alan initially hesitated. “I had accepted that this was just going to be my life,” he said. “But then my sister-in-law saw a ‘60 Minutes’ segment on MRgFUS, and I started to really look into it. Seeing someone like me find relief gave me hope.”
Expert Care at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center
That hope led him to meet with Devin Binder, M.D., a board-certified neurosurgeon and Medical Director of the Movement Disorders Program at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center. Under the leadership of Dr. Devin Binder, the most experienced MRgFUS neurosurgeon on the West Coast, the Orange Coast program has provided more patients with this tremor-alleviating procedure than any other program in Southern California.
“Alan was a great candidate for MRgFUS,” said Dr. Binder. “He had essential tremor that was primarily on one side, and he was looking for a non-invasive solution. With MRgFUS, we’re able to precisely target the area of the brain responsible for the tremor, all without a single incision.”
MRgFUS uses high-intensity focused ultrasound waves, guided by MRI imaging, to treat tremor-causing areas in the brain. The procedure offers an alternative to medications—which not all patients find effective—and more involved options like deep brain stimulation. While only a select number of hospitals nationwide offer MRgFUS, Orange Coast Medical Center stands out as a regional leader—bringing this advanced, incision-free treatment to patients who might otherwise have no local options.
Unlike traditional surgeries, MRgFUS is performed while the patient is awake. A helmet-like device, often referred to as a "headframe," is fitted to the patient’s head to deliver the focused ultrasound beams.
“The most uncomfortable part was wearing the headframe,” said Alan. “But honestly, I thought it was kind of cool getting to have my head shaved for the procedure. The team explained everything really well leading up to the procedure, and I felt warm and supported the entire time. It wasn’t cold or clinical like other surgeries I’ve had—it felt almost comforting.”
The results from the procedure were instant for Alan.
Immediate Results with Lasting Relief
“As soon as they asked me to hold the container afterward, the tremor was essentially just gone,” Alan said. “It was unbelievable. My wife was in awe and stood in the corner crying because she could not believe it. I was just amazed.”
Alan’s new ability to use his hand without fear or frustration changed everything for him.
“For months after, I’d forget I could use my left hand because I was so used to hiding it,” he said. “I used to talk with my hands, but I’d keep one in my pocket or behind my back. Now, I can be myself again.”
He also noticed improvements at work. Alan owns a small real estate development company and often needs to write notes, measure properties, and use a computer. Before the procedure, those tasks required elaborate tricks and time-consuming workarounds. Now, his workflow is smooth and efficient. “It’s made a huge difference in my professional life. I can just do what I need to do.”
While the results were overwhelmingly positive, Alan did experience a few temporary side effects. “The minimal side effects I experienced have all resolved, and honestly, compared to what I gained, it was worth it,” he said.
Side effects like temporary numbness or balance issues can happen following the procedure, but they are typically short-lived. “We take every precaution to ensure safety and precision when completing the procedure,” Dr. Binder explained. “For patients like Alan, the benefits far outweigh the risks.”
A Steady Future Ahead
Alan now finds himself becoming an advocate for MRgFUS, often sharing his experience with his friends who struggle with tremors. “I’ve already told others about it, people I know who also have to deal with these types of struggles on a daily basis,” he said. “I just tell them to start the process. Ask questions. Watch videos. See what’s possible.”
When asked what he would tell someone who is hesitant, Alan’s advice is clear: “It was a miraculous and amazing experience,” Alan says. “I’m at the age where little things need fixing, and nothing has been as incredible as this procedure. Just start the conversation with your doctor—you’ll be glad you did.”
“Our goal is to restore quality of life. MRgFUS is a powerful tool in our arsenal against movement disorders, and it’s changing lives like Alan’s every day.”
- Dr. Binder
For Alan, the gift of steadiness has been nothing short of life changing. Whether he’s sipping coffee, measuring blueprints, or simply reaching out with his once-shaky hand, he’s doing so now with confidence and without fear.
“Life is easier now without the burden of my tremor,” Alan said. “And that means everything.”