Louise Pratt (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Imagine trying to sip a glass of water, eat a mouthful of food or type a text message while your hands are uncontrollably shaking. Essential tremor is a nervous system disorder which causes involuntary shaking or trembling of particular parts of the body. It is our most common movement disorder affecting some three per cent of the population. However, there is hope. Focused ultrasound therapy is a rapidly evolving, non-invasive procedure that is seen to reduce tremors by up to 85 per cent. This procedure works by targeting ultrasound beams at the tissues responsible for the tremors and destroying them to a very fine point using high temperatures. It is performed in a single treatment and allows patients to return to normal activities the following day.

Sydney man Warwick Savage received the treatment two weeks ago at St Vincent's Hospital after living with essential tremors for many decades. He, along with others who have successfully receive the treatment, is proof that this treatment is effective. It has the potential to dramatically increase the quality of life for essential tremor sufferers. Warwick's granddaughter, who is my staffer, Belinda, is especially grateful for what this treatment has done for her grandfather. We all hope that we can see it become more affordable and accessible in the future.