Bilateral Ultrasound Treatment Now Available for Parkinson's

Patients with Parkinson's can now access a staged bilateral ultrasound procedure to manage tremors and mobility symptoms.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Stroke

Isometric editorial illustration of a geometric brain volume with converging focal lines, representing non-invasive medical technology for Parkinson's treatment. — The FDA has approved the use of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound to treat Parkinson’s disease symptoms, now covered by Medicare. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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In July 2025, the FDA approved staged bilateral magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound to treat Parkinson’s disease. This procedure is now covered by Medicare as of March 2026, offering a new treatment pathway for Americans living with the condition.

Why it matters

For patients affected by Parkinson’s, this approval expands access to a non-invasive option that addresses movement symptoms on both sides of the brain. It provides an alternative for those seeking symptom relief beyond traditional medical management.

A multicenter clinical trial of 54 patients, with 40 undergoing bilateral treatment, found that 86% reported improvement three months after the second procedure. The long-term risks regarding speech, walking, and balance are still being investigated.

The players

FDA

The federal agency responsible for evaluating the safety and efficacy of medical devices and treatments.

Medicare

The federal health insurance program that now provides coverage for this bilateral procedure.

NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center

A major academic medical center that served as a clinical trial site for the study.

University of Maryland School of Medicine

A research institution that acted as a co-lead for the clinical trial.

The details

The procedure uses ultrasound waves focused on a tiny pathway deep within the brain to create a precise lesion, helping to disrupt abnormal signaling in the pallidothalamic tract. Patients wear a helmet inside an MRI machine, which allows clinicians to monitor the temperature in real time during the intervention. This focused heat targets the specific areas contributing to tremor, rigidity, slow movement, and dyskinesia.

2016: FDA approved focused ultrasound for essential tremor.
2018: FDA approved focused ultrasound for Parkinson’s tremors.
2021: FDA expanded approval for Parkinson’s mobility issues.
July 2025: FDA approved staged bilateral treatment.
March 2026: Medicare began covering bilateral focused ultrasound.

Health Landscape

This development follows a decade of regulatory progress within the FDA's framework for magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound. It represents a shift toward more complex, bilateral interventions for the 1 million Americans currently affected by Parkinson’s.

Patients may wish to discuss with a neurologist whether they are candidates for this procedure, particularly if mobility or tremor symptoms persist. It is important to ask a physician about the potential risks to balance, walking, and speech associated with bilateral treatment.

The takeaway

Bilateral focused ultrasound provides a non-invasive option for managing Parkinson's symptoms by targeting deep brain pathways. Discuss with your physician the potential for speech or balance side effects when evaluating whether this procedure is appropriate for your specific treatment plan.