New Hope for Parkinson’s Patients: University of Dundee Leads Scottish Medical Breakthrough with First Ultrasound Thalamotomy
A revolutionary procedure that offers relief from uncontrolled tremors for Parkinson’s patients has been successfully performed for the first time in Scotland. The University of Dundee’s School of Medicine has made history with its first ultrasound thalamotomy. This non-invasive operation can significantly improve the quality of life for those living with the disease.
Ian Keir, a 63-year-old retired firefighter from Carnoustie, is the first Parkinson’s patient in Scotland to benefit from this ground-breaking treatment. Diagnosed in 2018, Ian had been struggling with debilitating tremors that eroded his ability to perform everyday tasks. However, after undergoing the procedure earlier this month, he is now tremor-free and has regained his independence.
“It feels like a miracle,” said Ian. “My tremor has completely gone – it’s as though I never had it. I’m now able to do exactly what I could before. I can pour a jug of water, my handwriting is back, and I’m now able to do things without thinking about them beforehand. I am now able to cut my own food, pour a glass of water. Anything at all. While I’m aware this isn’t a cure for Parkinson’s, it is a cure for some of my symptoms. I’m so grateful and just want to make the most of every day.”
The Dundee team have performed 60 thalamotomies for patients living with Essential Tremor, but this is the first time a patient with Parkinson’s disease in Scotland has been treated. The team utilised the state-of-the-art Insightec Exablate system, which uses high-intensity focused ultrasound, allowing for incision-free treatment to be administered. As one of the world’s leading centres for research into Parkinson’s disease, the University has utilised the technology to support clinical research trials. It was purchased with funds generously donated to a dedicated fundraising campaign. This is the first treatment to take place in Scotland as part of an international, multicentre, clinical trial as thalamotomy using ultrasound is not currently available via the NHS for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Dr. Tom Gilbertson, Consultant Neurologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer at Dundee’s School of Medicine, remarked on the significance of this achievement. “This is a milestone moment for Scottish medicine. We have already witnessed the transformative impact that similar procedures have had on patients living with Essential Tremor, so to replicate that for those living with Parkinson’s – who may never have dreamed of having such control of their movements again – is a huge privilege. The University is recognised globally as a leader in Parkinson’s disease research and occasions such as this highlight the advances that are being made to help address this condition, which is one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. Ian is proof that research like that taking place here at the University is leading to advances capable of transforming the lives of Parkinson’s patients.”
A video of Ian Keir pouring a glass of water before and after his Thalamotomy procedure can be viewed at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/