Published on Feb. 23, 2026
We often move through life without noticing the small victories—carrying a plate, taking a clear photo, sipping coffee without a second thought. But for those living with essential tremor, these everyday moments can feel monumental.
At 61-years-old, David Leroy never imagined that something as simple as carrying a plate or taking a selfie would one day feel like a personal victory.
For over five decades, David lived with an uncontrollable tremor that began in his teens and gradually disrupted nearly every part of his life. He once could only rely on medication to help reduce his symptoms, but it was not a permanent fix.
Living with Essential Tremor: David’s Journey
“I’ve had tremors since I was a teenager,” David recalls. “Back then, I didn’t know what it was—I just thought I was clumsy or nervous.” Over time, the tremor in his right hand worsened, and by his early 20s, it began interfering with his career in hospitality and overall confidence. He started taking medication in college when medicine was the only solution for managing his symptoms, but the dosage kept increasing over the years, and the side effects began to take a toll.
When David's tremors persisted, he accepted that he would lead a life marked by restlessness and relinquished his early aspiration of becoming a news photographer, as he was unable to maintain a steady hand.
“I am in the hospitality industry, and I’d worry about speaking in public or even just holding a drink,” David said. “People would notice the shaking and ask if I was nervous or what was wrong with me. It was embarrassing and exhausting.”
Essential tremor affected his ability to eat, drink, and perform basic tasks. “I couldn’t eat soup without spilling it all over myself. On planes, I’d spill drinks when the flight attendant handed them to me. It was frustrating.”
Understanding Essential Tremor and Its Impact
Essential tremor is a neurological disorder that causes rhythmic shaking, typically in the hands, arms, head, or voice. While it’s not life-threatening, it can be profoundly disruptive to daily life. For David, it meant constantly adapting, hiding his symptoms, and relying on medication that drained his energy.
“I read about the MRgFUS treatment when I was browsing online and found out it was FDA-approved,” David said. “I was excited about the possibility of reducing or even eliminating my medication. I visited Dr. Binder, and we decided to give it a go. It sounded promising—and it turned out to be everything I was looking for, perhaps even a chance of getting back my dream of photography.”
Expert Care at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center
After further research, David found the Movement Disorders Program at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center, a leader in the groundbreaking, non-invasive procedure called MR-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) procedure. Under the care of Devin Binder, M.D., a board-certified neurosurgeon and Medical Director of the program, the Movement Disorders team has become the most experienced MRgFUS center on the West Coast, right in the heart of central Orange County, transforming the lives of patients seeking a non-invasive solution for tremor relief-much like David.
“David was an ideal candidate,” said Dr. Binder. “Although his tremor affected both sides, we began with the right, dominant side to maximize initial impact. MRgFUS allows us to precisely target the area of the brain responsible for the tremor—all without a single incision.”
MRgFUS uses high-intensity focused ultrasound waves, guided by MRI imaging, to treat tremor-causing areas in the brain. It offers an alternative to medications and more invasive procedures like Deep Brain Stimulation. While only a select number of hospitals nationwide offer MRgFUS, Orange Coast Medical Center stands out as a regional leader.
Immediate Results with Lasting Relief
David approached the procedure with excitement, not fear. “I was ready for the change,” he said. “The clinical team was amazing—positive, honest, and supportive. They explained everything clearly, including potential side effects. I felt confident and cared for.”
Unlike traditional surgeries, MRgFUS is performed while the patient is awake. A helmet-like device called a stereotactic headframe is fitted to the patient’s head to ensure the precise targeting of the focused ultrasound beams.
“I didn’t experience any side effects,” David said. “I felt like a new person almost immediately.”
David brought a friend with him to the procedure, and both were stunned by the results—almost instantly, the tremor in his right hand was gone. As he lifted his hand, they watched in disbelief as it remained steady for the first time in decades. “I could hold a cup without spilling, point to something without shaking—it was surreal,” David said. “For the first two to three weeks, I was in shock. I kept thinking it might come back. But it didn’t. It’s so much better than what I lived with before.”
The improvement was dramatic—about an 80% reduction in tremor in his right hand. Encouraged by the success, David is scheduled to undergo the procedure for his left hand in October.
A New Lease on Life
Since the procedure, David’s life has changed in ways he never imagined. “I can carry a plate with one hand now. I don’t have to worry about spilling or losing control. I can take selfies and pictures without them being blurry.”
Photography had once been a part of a dream David let go of—but now, it’s back. “I can hold a camera steady. It’s incredible. There’s something so freeing about being able to go out and take clear photos without my tremor getting in the way.”
Beyond regaining control, David has seen a surge in energy and overall wellness. “Reducing the medication has made a huge difference. I’ve lost 12 pounds, I run five days a week, and my blood tests are back to normal. I feel better than I have in years.”
David is now an advocate for MRgFUS and encourages others to explore the procedure. “It’s a progressive disease—it’s not going to get better on its own. The sooner you do it, the better.”
He emphasizes the non-invasive nature of the procedure and the minimal discomfort. “It’s pretty much painless. The whole morning was an amazing experience. Seeing the difference in a matter of minutes was a miracle to me.”
A Steady Future Ahead
David’s story is one of resilience, hope, and transformation. From struggling with basic tasks to running five days a week and rediscovering his passion for photography, MRgFUS has given him a new lease on life.
“Our goal is to restore quality of life. MRgFUS is a powerful tool in our arsenal against movement disorders, and it’s changing lives like David’s every day.”
- Dr. Binder
For David, the ability to take a clear photo, carry a plate, or sip coffee without spilling isn’t just a small win, it’s a daily triumph. These once-overlooked moments now hold meaning, joy, and freedom.
Following his second procedure in October, David is now almost fully tremor‑free and has reduced his medication to almost nothing.
“Life is easier now without the burden of my tremor,” David said. “And that means everything.”