Where to start
Two proven therapies, one experienced team
Deep brain stimulation and MRI-guided focused ultrasound sit side by side in the same program, evaluated by the same multidisciplinary team. That means the recommendation you get is based on your situation rather than on which technology a center happens to offer.
Deep Brain Stimulation
An implanted lead delivers adjustable stimulation to a movement circuit. Programmable, reversible, and effective for Parkinson's disease, essential tremor and dystonia.
MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound
More than a thousand sound beams converge on a single target through the intact skull. No incision, no implanted hardware, and most patients go home the same day.
Which one is right for me?
The honest answer depends on your symptoms, your goals and your stage of disease. Here is how the two therapies actually compare.
our locations
RUSH University Medical Center Campus
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building, 1520 W Harrison St, 6th Floor, Chicago, IL 60607
our program
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) & focused ultrasound (FUS) program
At RUSH University Medical Center, the Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and Focused Ultrasound (FUS) program is built around a single principle: delivering advanced, evidence-based care through an integrated, multidisciplinary team. Our program brings together specialists in neurosurgery, neurology, neuropsychology, psychiatry, and rehabilitation to provide comprehensive evaluation and individualized treatment for patients with movement and neuropsychiatric disorders.
We are one of the busiest and most experienced programs in the United States, with decades of collective expertise in functional neurosurgery and neuromodulation. Our team includes internationally recognized leaders in the treatment of conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and select psychiatric disorders. This depth of experience translates into careful patient selection, technical precision, and durable outcomes.
Our DBS program offers both awake and image-guided asleep procedures, leveraging advanced neuroimaging, intraoperative technologies, and refined targeting strategies. In parallel, our MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound program represents a noninvasive treatment option for appropriately selected patients, supported by one of the highest procedural volumes in the country. These complementary approaches allow us to tailor therapy to each patient’s condition, goals, and preferences.
As part of Rush University System for Health, our program is deeply embedded in clinical research and innovation. We actively participate in and lead clinical trials spanning next-generation neuromodulation, novel indications for DBS, and emerging applications of focused ultrasound. Our work contributes to advancing the field while ensuring that patients have access to the most current and promising therapies.
Above all, our program is designed to provide thoughtful, patient-centered care—combining technical excellence with clear communication, long-term follow-up, and a commitment to improving quality of life.
Ready to Speak with our team?
Our specialists are here to answer your questions and help determine the right treatment options for you.
