[5 min read]
- Essential tremor is a non-life threatening neurological condition that causes uncontrollable shaking in the arms and hands, affecting over 10 million Americans.
- The condition affects people's ability to complete everyday tasks, like writing and eating.
- Providence Swedish is the only hospital in Washington State offering focused ultrasound for the treatment of essential tremor.
- Read the incredible story of three sisters with essential tremor who came to Providence Swedish for life-changing focused ultrasound treatment.
This is part two of a series.
“You cannot comprehend that it could stop.”
In a lot of families, a bad haircut is a source of endless ribbing by siblings. For sisters Peggy, Martie and Susan, haircuts were a preoperative step in a medical treatment that changed each of their lives and symbolizes the sisters’ remarkable, unique bond.
For decades, all three sisters struggled with essential tremor, a neurological condition that is not dangerous but can seriously affect activities of daily living like eating, writing, or holding any kind of object. It’s estimated that some 10 million Americans live with essential tremor. And while the condition is not dangerous or physically painful, it can have severe emotional consequences, with many patients feeling years or even decades of self-consciousness and frustration that can, at worst, leave them feeling isolated and lonely.
In 2023, sisters Peggy and Susan made the decision to have focused ultrasound procedure with Tony Wang, M.D., a Providence Swedish neurosurgeon and focused ultrasound expert.
“It was life-changing,” says Peggy, who immediately after was able to hold a pencil and draw a spiral without a tremor. “Sometimes people don’t even realize they have tremors because you’ve spent so many years compensating.”
The sisters’ journeys align
At that time, their younger sister Martie, was not ready to commit to the treatment. But after a lot of thought, consultation with family and seeing her sisters’ incredible results, Martie decided to move forward with focused ultrasound. In November 2023, Martie began her evaluation process and Peggy and Susan were readying for their second procedure to address the tremor in their non-dominant hand. All three sisters’ focused ultrasound journey aligned in a profound moment.
“It’s totally worth it and I know I will probably have some anxiety for my next procedure, but [my sisters] will be with me and they made it so much fun,” says Martie. “And Dr. Wang and his physician assistant Martha Short were incredible. Going through something like this and having that support all around you is just amazing.”
“I guess because you can't until you see it yourself, you cannot comprehend that it could stop. The first week [after the procedure] you're just like, ‘wow, it's still [working]’. We have a video of Martie eating peas on a fork for the first time in 40 years. They didn't go across the room or hit me in the face. It was wonderful,” says Peggy, laughing warmly. “So, it's little things like that. [Until it happens] you just don't realize how much it means to be able to do those things and not have people looking at you.”
After focused ultrasound, a first in four decades: Martie holds peas on a fork. Photo at top, from left to right: sisters Peggy, Susan and Martie during their post-focused ultrasound road trip. Martie will have her second round in March, 2025.
“Cases like this are really satisfying for us,” says Martha. “We see patients at their worst. They have a lot of anxiety. They’ve been judged so much because you will almost always be judged in society for your differences. It might not always be an overnight difference, but it’s amazing seeing how people improve.”
Martha reserves special affection for the sisters, not only for their unique case, but because of their contagious warmth, joy and optimism throughout the process.
“I get tons of hugs from patients,” she says. “This is just the best job I’ve ever had.”
The next chapter
After receiving Dr. Wang’s apprehensive blessing, the intrepid sisters took a celebratory road trip down the West Coast.
“We wanted to be sure that we were able to drive. And we each drove no more than an hour,” says Sue. “There were some other side effects like a numb lip and a tickle in the back of the throat. But they are going away. They are small compared to [the tremors] and if they never went away, I wouldn’t care.”
With their experience and genuine joy in each other, the sisters have also become a trio of focused ultrasound evangelists. They recently joined a special online event with Dr. Wang and shared their experience with patients and families interested in the procedure.
Martie is currently preparing for her second procedure, which is scheduled for March 2025.
But at present she’s enjoying being tremor-free on her right side and has been able to allay the anxieties of friends and family that initially held her back.
“Before my first procedure, my husband was very anxious. Plus, I had been through a couple of other surgeries, and I just felt like I couldn’t do another one right away,” says Martie. “But when my husband saw how well Peggy and Sue did, he was so happy, and he was on board. Now we even have family members who are asking us about [focused ultrasound] and are all ready to have it.”
Find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)
Our experts at the Swedish Neuroscience Institute offer comprehensive, progressive diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of spine, brain and central nervous system conditions. Telehealth options are available. Visit us on the web or call 206-320-3940. You can also use our provider directory to find the doctor that’s right for you.
Swedish Virtual Care connects you face-to-face with a nurse practitioner who can review your symptoms, provide instruction, and follow up as needed. If you need to find a provider, you can use our provider directory.
Additional resources
Three sisters find hope at the Swedish Neuroscience Institute
Struggling with essential tremor? Watch this seminar to learn how focused ultrasound can help.
Focused ultrasounds treat tremors, restoring patients' quality of life
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.
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