Patient stories: Essential tremor stole moments of joy from Annette Cooper’s life. Focused ultrasound gave them back.

Annette Cooper very much enjoyed her busy life as a grandmother of eight, barber and wildlife rehabilitation specialist in Anderson, SC, when she began experiencing tremors in her hand. Like many who hesitate to admit something serious might be wrong, she powered through for years until one day, she was with a client and realized that this haircut would be her last.

Her essential tremors progressively worsened. She could no longer chop vegetables without cutting herself or even write her name. Just brushing her hair in the morning became a serious challenge.

“Even feeding my squirrels when they were babies,” Annette said. “I had to use a syringe. Having four babies to feed, I had to use both hands. I needed to stabilize my hands in order to feed them.”

She tried medications and saw very brief success, but soon enough the tremors were back.

“I was very disappointed with that,” said Annette. “I felt like I was just going to have to live with it.”

Columbia-based neurosurgeon Bertram Richter, MD, has treated essential tremor in many patients. It’s a more common disease than many believe, and often goes untreated. Medications may not be effective, and could have serious side effects. Annette was hoping to avoid open surgery, and Dr. Richter believed focused ultrasound with be the right treatment for her.

Focused ultrasound, a noninvasive treatment for essential tremor that is just beginning to be available in South Carolina, offers a unique benefit to patients; the ability to test the treatment before administering it.

“It didn’t hurt,” said Annette. “First thing I wanted to do when I came out of the procedure was my lipstick. That was truly amazing to me.”

With her diagnosis, Annette will need to wait. Until then, she’s back to enjoying the quality of life and time with her family she was missing.

“I am cutting hair again,” said Annette. “I’ve done a couple haircut and they look perfect. I can play board games with my grandkids and write them a birthday card. I haven’t been able to do that in years. I can carry my own dinner plate to the table. The focused ultrasound has made a big impact in my life. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

For Prisma Health, our mission goes far beyond diagnosis and treatment. We’re here to find the most effective treatments to suit your individual diagnosis and support your journey.

We’re not just here to heal. We’re here for good.