Queen Square In Focus

Essential tremor gradually changed Andrew’s confidence, independence and daily routine. Writing became difficult, DIY jobs felt impossible and even choosing a meal in a restaurant required planning. Medication offered limited relief and his symptoms continued to worsen. A chance magazine article led him to the Focused Ultrasound service at Queen Square where a detailed assessment confirmed he was suitable for an incision free, MRI guided treatment that targets the exact part of the brain responsible for tremor.In this episode of Queen Square in Focus, Andrew describes the full experience, from the first signs of tremor to the moment his hand steadiness returned instantly in the treatment room. His story highlights how non-invasive treatment can restore function, improve confidence and help people return to work, hobbies and everyday life without the limitations of tremor.Key Topics Covered:How essential tremor affected Andrew’s confidence, writing and daily tasksEarly symptoms and gradual progression of the conditionLimited benefit from propranolol and the search for alternative optionsDiscovering Focused Ultrasound treatment at Queen SquareThe assessment process with neurologists and neurosurgeonsHow MRI guided Focused Ultrasound works for tremorThe procedure and Andrew’s instant improvementThe impact on work, independence and quality of lifeAdvice for others considering treatment for essential tremorFollow the Queen Square In Focus Podcast to hear from the world’s leading neuroscientists and clinicians transforming brain health through innovation, research, and patient care.Key Moments:00:00 Andrew's Experience with Essential Tremor02:05 Impact of Essential Tremor on Daily Life 03:45 Medical Treatment and Initial Disappointment05:15 Exploration of New Treatment Options 07:05 The Treatment Experience 08:37 Post-Treatment Impact and Improved Quality of Life10:25 Conclusion and Encouragement for Others

What if a tremor that’s dominated your life could be treated without a single incision? In this episode, Dr Tabish Saifee and Professor Ludvic Zrinzo explain how focused ultrasound is transforming the treatment of essential tremor, a condition affecting up to five percent of the UK population. They outline the patient journey from diagnosis to treatment, explore how multidisciplinary teams decide on the best approach, and discuss how MRI-guided focused ultrasound compares with deep brain stimulation and radiofrequency ablation.The conversation unpacks the science behind this incisionless procedure, why Queen Square achieves some of the lowest side-effect rates in the world, and how research is expanding to include Parkinson’s disease and mental health conditions.Key Topics Covered:What essential tremor is and how it’s diagnosedHow focused ultrasound works as a non-invasive brain treatmentThe multidisciplinary process of patient selectionDifferences between focused ultrasound, deep brain stimulation and radiofrequency ablationHow the team achieves fewer side effects through precision targetingFuture research into Parkinson’s disease and mental health applicationsThe goal of NHS commissioning for wider patient accessFollow the Queen Square In Focus Podcast to hear from the world’s leading neuroscientists and clinicians transforming brain health through innovation, research, and patient care.Key Moments:00:00 – What essential tremor is and how it affects daily life02:00 – How diagnosis is made and what GPs should know03:25 – The role of the multidisciplinary team in treatment decisions06:05 – How MRI-guided focused ultrasound works10:33 – Balance testing and patient safety during surgery11:14 – Why shaving the head matters for accuracy13:25 – Step-by-step through the focused ultrasound procedure15:08 – How neurologists assess tremor during treatment16:37 – Why Queen Square’s targeting precision improves outcomes17:36 – Long-term results and reduced side effects20:48 – Expanding applications for Parkinson’s disease and mental health23:16 – The push for NHS commissioning and research funding25:43 – Real patient stories and life-changing results

For more than 40 years, Tom lived with essential tremor that gradually took away his independence, confidence and ability to enjoy simple daily tasks. From struggling to cut food and use a computer to almost giving up singing in choirs, the condition shaped every part of his life. After medications failed and the tremor worsened, Tom discovered the Focused Ultrasound service at Queen Square.In this episode of Queen Square in Focus, Tom and his wife Jenny share the honest reality of living with essential tremor, their decision to pursue treatment, and the extraordinary moment Tom’s tremor stopped in the treatment room. His story highlights how MRI guided Focused Ultrasound can offer safe, incisionless treatment that restores movement, dignity and independence.Key Topics Covered:Tom’s early symptoms and essential tremor diagnosisHow tremor affects daily tasks, confidence and social interactionsMedication challenges and the need for alternative treatmentDiscovering Queen Square’s Focused Ultrasound serviceThe assessment process and preparation for treatmentHow MRI guided Focused Ultrasound targets tremor at its sourceImmediate changes during the procedureLife after treatment and renewed independenceThe emotional impact on Tom and JennyFollow the Queen Square In Focus Podcast to hear from the world’s leading neuroscientists and clinicians transforming brain health through innovation, research, and patient care.Key Moments:00:00 Tom's Essential Tremor Diagnosis and Impact on Daily Life03:45 Progression of Tom's Tremor and Its Effects07:37 Exploring Treatment Options09:45 The Focused Ultrasound Treatment Experience14:43 Post-Treatment Life Changes19:01 Tom's Reflection on the Treatment

What does it take to diagnose and treat complex neurological conditions in one of the world’s most respected centres for brain science? In this episode, Dr. Tabish Saifee, Consultant Neurologist at the Queen Square Institute of Neurology, reflects on his two-decade journey from junior doctor to consultant, sharing insights from his specialisation in movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, dystonia and essential tremor.He explains why the art of neurology still relies on sharp clinical intuition, even as genetic testing and imaging technology advance at record pace. The conversation explores the historic Grand Round tradition at Queen Square, the evolution of genetic testing from single-gene analysis to whole genome sequencing, and how new research is paving the way for personalised neurological care.Key Topics Covered:Dr Saifee’s 20-year journey at Queen SquareThe importance of clinical judgement in modern neurologyHow movement disorders like Parkinson’s and tremor are diagnosedThe Grand Round tradition and its role in neurological educationHow genetic testing has revolutionised diagnosis and treatmentThe rise of clinical trials and personalised neurologyIncreasing prevalence of tremor and Parkinson’s across the UK and EuropeBalancing general neurology with deep subspecialty expertiseFollow the Queen Square In Focus Podcast to hear from the world’s leading neuroscientists and clinicians transforming brain health through innovation, research, and patient care.Key Moments:00:00 – Dr Saifee’s journey to Queen Square and career path01:44 – What a neurologist does and why general neurology still matters03:19 – Identifying and diagnosing movement disorders04:49 – The Grand Round tradition and its global legacy07:05 – Advances in genetic testing and whole genome sequencing09:51 – The role of clinical trials and electrophysiological testing11:35 – How research is leading to personalised treatment12:58 – Rising prevalence of tremor and Parkinson’s disease14:26 – How neurology has evolved over the past 40 years

Imagine living with a tremor so severe you can no longer hold a cup of coffee, paint, or write your name. In this moving episode of Queen Square in Focus, patient David shares his powerful story of transformation after years of struggling with essential tremor. Following failed medications and growing frustration, David discovered focused ultrasound treatment at Queen Square, a non-invasive, MRI-guided procedure that targets the part of the brain responsible for tremor. Within minutes of treatment, his hand steadiness returned, allowing him to regain confidence, independence, and quality of life.Through David’s story, listeners learn how focused ultrasound is giving hope to thousands of people with movement disorders, offering a safer, incision-less alternative to brain surgery.You’ll also hear how research funded by the NIHR and MRC is shaping the future of neurological treatment and why patient choice is vital as new therapies emerge.Key Topics Covered:How essential tremor affects daily life, relationships and independenceDavid’s medical journey and limited success with medicationDiscovery of focused ultrasound therapy at Queen SquareHow MRI-guided focused ultrasound works to treat tremorThe immediate impact of treatment and long-term recoveryEmotional and psychological transformation after treatmentQueen Square’s pioneering role in non-invasive brain therapyFollow the Queen Square In Focus Podcast to hear from the world’s leading neuroscientists and clinicians transforming brain health through innovation, research, and patient care.Key Moments:00:00 David's Initial Struggles with Essential Tremor03:01 Impact on Daily Life and Hobbies 04:38 Medical Journey and Treatment Attempts07:46 Discovery of Focused Ultrasound Treatment09:57 Assessment and Decision to Proceed13:40 The Procedure and Immediate Results15:45 Post-Treatment Recovery and Impact on Daily Life17:29 Final Reflections and Recommendations

What if brain surgery could be performed without ever opening the skull? In this episode, Professor Ludvic Zrinzo, Head of the UCL Functional Neurosurgery Unit, reveals how cutting-edge techniques like deep brain stimulation, radiofrequency ablation, and focused ultrasound are transforming treatment for Parkinson’s disease, tremor, dystonia, OCD, depression, and Tourette’s syndrome. He explains the evolution of minimally invasive brain surgery, the importance of multidisciplinary care, and how personalised approaches are improving patient outcomes and quality of life.You’ll also hear how research funded by the NIHR and MRC is shaping the future of neurological treatment and why patient choice is vital as new therapies emerge.Key Topics Covered:Professor Zrinzo’s journey into neurosurgery and early influencesEvolution of functional neurosurgery and multidisciplinary teamworkHow deep brain stimulation improves Parkinson’s disease and movement disordersThe rise of radiofrequency ablation and its benefits for tremor and mental healthBreakthroughs in focused ultrasound as a non-invasive treatmentThe balance between technology, patient care, and ethical responsibilityFunding and international collaboration in neurosurgery researchFollow the Queen Square In Focus Podcast to hear from the world’s leading neuroscientists and clinicians transforming brain health through innovation, research, and patient care.Key Moments:0:00 - Professor Zrinzo’s journey to functional neurosurgery02:46 - The influence of technology and teamwork in modern neurosurgery05:14 - What functional neurosurgery treats and why it matters08:58 - Personalised treatment for Parkinson’s disease11:57 - Advancements in deep brain stimulation19:00 - The role of radiofrequency ablation22:31 - Focused ultrasound and the future of non-invasive brain treatment27:52 - Research directions and patient choice31:58 - Funding and international collaboration

Queen Square in Focus introduces real patient stories and expert insight into the treatments that restore movement, confidence and independence. Each conversation highlights how MRI guided Focused Ultrasound, deep brain stimulation and advanced imaging techniques are helping patients regain hand control, eliminate tremor and understand genetic conditions with greater clarity. This podcast shows how clinical expertise and innovation at the Queen Square Institute of Neurology work together to deliver life changing outcomes.

Welcome to Queen Square In Focus, the podcast that examines the human side of healthcare treatment and medical insights. Join us for this transformative podcast where engaging discussions with esteemed guests, including neurosurgeons and neurologists, intersect with the personal narratives of individuals undergoing treatment. We bridge the gap between patients and the specialists treating them, addressing topics ranging from the complexities of tremors, Parkinson's disease, brain tumors, dementia and beyond. Each episode puts the microscope on cutting-edge surgical techniques and advancements in diagnosis and treatment. Queen Square In Focus - from the Queens Square Imaging Centre in London - is a podcast show that not only shares the profound knowledge and invaluable expertise of world-renowned professors, doctors, experts and consultants but also shines a light on the human side of healthcare through firsthand accounts of patient journeys, providing a compassionate touch to our conversations.