What is low intensity focused ultrasound?
Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that uses ultrasound to modulate brain circuits. Ultrasound or sound waves are the same type of energy in medical diagnostic tools, such fetal/prenatal imaging, gallbladder or kidney imaging, and heart imaging. LIFU specifically uses low energy levels that do not cause tissue damage. The goal of LIFU neuromodulation is to remodel neural circuits over time. We are passionate to bringing this promising technology to the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy.
Clinical Trial in Drug Resistant Epilepsy
WHO CAN TAKE PART?
Individuals with drug resistant epilepsy (i.e. failed 2 or more anti-seizure medications) who have 4 or more seizures per month are eligible for additional screening.
WHAT'S INVOLVED?
The overall study is composed of up to 8 visits and a two month observational follow up: 1) A baseline visit to obtain MRI diagnostic imaging and EEG in individuals without RNS, 2) Up to 6 visits to study the effects of LIFU treatment, depending on availability, 3) A follow up visit to obtain post-stimulation MRI and EEG in individuals without RNS, and 4) 2 month observational follow up (logging seizure frequency)
WILL I BE PAID?
In return for your time and effort, you will be paid $50/hr for taking part in this study.
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THE STUDY?
To learn more about this study and/or how to take part, please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected].
Clinical Trial Recruiting Healthy Individuals
We are also studying network effects of LIFU stimulation in healthy individuals.
WHAT'S INVOLVED?
The overall study is composed of up to 4 visits: 1) A baseline visit for device fitting and MRI imaging and 2) 3 stimulation visits with subsequent neuroimaging
WILL I BE PAID?
In return for your time and effort, you will be paid $50/hr for taking part in this study.
Visits include a mixture of focused ultrasound stimulation and neuroimaging.
Relevant Publications
Fan JM, Woodworth K, Murphy KR, Hinkley L, Cohen JL, Yoshimura J, Choi I, Tremblay-McGaw AG, Mergenthaler J, Good CH, Pellionisz PA, Lee AM, Di Ianni T, Sugrue LP, Krystal AD. Thalamic transcranial ultrasound stimulation in treatment resistant depression. Brain Stimul. 2024 Sep-Oct;17(5):1001-1004. doi: 10.1016/j.brs.2024.08.006. Epub 2024 Aug 22. PMID: 39173737; PMCID: PMC11531731. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11531731/