A lifetime of tremors stilled by sound waves
Robert Cavazos has lived with essential tremor in both hands for more than five decades.
Now 71, the Pico Rivera resident was in his early teens when he was first diagnosed with the neurological condition, which can cause involuntary trembling while performing simple tasks like writing or drinking from a cup. But his symptoms weren’t that noticeable unless he felt stressed or nervous.
Four years ago, however, the shaking got worse, making it difficult to brush his teeth, feed himself or hold anything. Unable to control the symptoms with medications, Cavazos found himself foregoing pastimes that brought him joy.
“My tremors became so severe that I stopped attending [Los Angeles] Lakers games, one of my favorite activities for 30-plus years,” he says. He also stopped going to restaurants with his family and became increasingly isolated at home.
Tackling tremors with sound
Last year, Cavazos was referred to UCI Health neurologist Dr. Sanaz Attaripour Isfahani, a specialist in movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease and essential tremor.
“At one of his first appointments, I told him about an innovative treatment coming to our brand-new UCI Health –– Irvine hospital: MR-guided focused ultrasound,” recalls Attaripour.
The breakthrough outpatient procedure uses focused sound waves to precisely target the area of the brain where the tremors originate. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the incisionless procedure, which is guided by magnetic resonance technology, for patients living with essential tremor as well as tremor-predominant Parkinson’s disease.
Attaripour referred Cavazos to UCI Health neurosurgeon Dr. Michelle R. Paff, who leads the academic health system’s Focused Ultrasound for Essential Tremors Program. After consulting with him in the fall of 2025, Paff knew he would be an ideal candidate for the procedure.
“The treatment had the potential to drastically reduce Mr. Cavazos’ symptoms and improve his overall quality of life," she says.
First patient
On. Feb. 26, Cavazos became the health system’s first patient to undergo the procedure, with ultrasound waves focused on tremors affecting his right hand.
When Cavazos arrived at UCI Health — Irvine for the procedure, he was greeted by Paff and a team of nurses and technicians. His head was shaved to accommodate a halo to hold his head in place during treatment, allowing precise targeting of the energy waves.
Throughout the two-hour procedure, Paff and her team monitored the patient to ensure his comfort.
When the treatment was completed, the neurosurgeon asked Cavazos to draw a circle. For the first time in years, his right hand was as steady as a rock. The tremors were gone.
A life-changing treatment
“MR-guided focused ultrasound saved my life,” he says. “My family is tickled pink that I have responded so well.
"I’m incredibly grateful to Dr. Paff, the nurses and techs for their wonderful care.”
He’ll receive the same treatment on his left side after physicians have evaluated the procedure's effectiveness.
Cavazos celebrated by attending three Lakers’ games with his son Taylor in early March, a week after his treatment.
“I’m looking forward to treating my left side soon!”
About the program
The Focused Ultrasound for Essential Tremor Program advances the clinical expertise of the neurologists and neurosurgeons at Orange County’s only academic health system. Located on the UCI Health — Irvine medical campus in the Joe C. Wen & Family Center for Advanced Care, the program complements the academic health system’s growing movement disorder services, which are rooted in research excellence and innovation.
UCI Health also offers the therapy for tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease and, in some cases, to treat Parkinson's disease that is resistant to standard medications.
For additional information about the procedure, visit the focused ultrasound program or call 714-509-2005.