FDA-approved focused ultrasound therapy targets Parkinson’s disease symptoms
Dr. Bhavya Shah from UT Southwestern Medical Center is discussing a groundbreaking focused ultrasound treatment that can eliminate the tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease within minutes. One patient, Bud Leavell, shares his remarkable journey from experiencing severe shaking to having completely steady hands—all without the need for invasive surgery.
Super Bowl champion and Southern University football coach Marshall Faulk is currently facing a personal challenge. The 53-year-old NFL Hall of Famer revealed on Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
During a recent appearance on “The Caring Neurologist” podcast, Faulk mentioned that medication has managed to keep his symptoms limited to some hand rigidity. He expressed hope that the rigidity has not gotten worse over the past year and a half, largely due to his treatment, while admitting he does feel “little tremors” from time to time.
Faulk shared with host Dr. Sandeep Thakkar his desire to bring awareness to his condition. “I want to help as many people as I can,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment to patient advocacy.
Faulk initially brushed off the hand rigidity he felt while golfing, thinking it was normal nerves. However, his concern grew when this feeling persisted even outside of competitive situations.
“I just thought it was typical nerves when putting and such,” he explained. “But then it started happening when I wasn’t even in a match, and I was like, ‘Is this normal?’ My doctor urged me to get it checked out.”
His perspective on the diagnosis was influenced by a dinner he had with Muhammad Ali, who also battled Parkinson’s. Faulk left that meeting inspired, thinking if Ali could lead a fulfilling life, he could too. “Knowing that, I didn’t feel like my life was over with this diagnosis,” he reflected. “I approach it like I’ve had a few surgeries; just part of life.”
Selected as the second overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1994 NFL Draft, Faulk made a name for himself during his five seasons in Indianapolis before his impactful time with the St. Louis Rams. He was a crucial part of their Super Bowl run in 1999 and earned the MVP title the following season.
Faulk last played in the NFL in 2005 and has since been inducted into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot. He became Southern University’s head coach in November 2025 after previously serving as running backs coach at Colorado under Deion Sanders. So far, Faulk’s debut season has the team at a 3-4 record.
