Terry Crews' wife, Rebecca King Crews, has revealed that a non-invasive focused ultrasound (FUS) procedure significantly improved her Parkinson’s disease symptoms, allowing her to write with her right hand for the first time in years. The 60-year-old actress and breast cancer survivor was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015 after experiencing tremors, muscle stiffness, and balance issues for years, initially misdiagnosed as anxiety.
Key Developments:
- FUS Treatment Success: King Crews underwent focused ultrasound therapy, which uses sound waves to target brain areas affected by Parkinson’s. She reported regaining control over her right hand, enabling her to write again.
- Early Misdiagnosis: Her symptoms began in 2012, but multiple doctors dismissed them as anxiety before her 2015 diagnosis.
Deeper Context:
Parkinson’s Prevalence and Diagnosis:
- Parkinson’s typically affects older adults, but 4% of cases begin before age 50, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
- Symptoms often develop slowly, including tremors, stiffness, and movement difficulties.
- Early Detection Challenges: Only 2% of cases are diagnosed before age 40, per Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Focused Ultrasound Therapy (FUS):
- A non-invasive procedure that uses high-intensity sound waves to target brain regions linked to Parkinson’s symptoms.
- Dr. Vivek Buch of Stanford University called it a ‘cool, emerging technology’ that restores control over daily tasks.
- King Crews described the treatment as life-changing, allowing her to perform basic functions like writing and dressing.
Personal Journey and Advocacy:
- King Crews shared her struggles, including sleepless nights and severe fatigue, before discovering FUS.
- She chose to go public after receiving positive results, hoping to inspire others with Parkinson’s.
- Her husband, Terry Crews, supported her decision to seek advanced treatments.
Broader Implications:
- The procedure is part of growing research into non-surgical Parkinson’s treatments.
- King Crews’ case highlights the need for better early detection and diagnosis of neurological disorders.