A practical guide to transcranial ultrasonic stimulation from the IFCN-endorsed ITRUSST consortium.
Authors: Murphy KR, Nandi T, Kop B, Osada T, Lueckel M, N'Djin WA, Caulfield KA, Fomenko A, Siebner HR, Ugawa Y, Verhagen L, Bestmann S, Martin E, Butts Pauly K, Fouragnan E, Bergmann TO
Low-intensity Transcranial Ultrasonic Stimulation (TUS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique enabling cortical and deep brain targeting with unprecedented spatial accuracy. Given the high rate of adoption by new users with varying levels of expertise and interdisciplinary backgrounds, practical guidelines are needed to ensure state-of-the-art TUS application and reproducible outcomes. Therefore, the International Transcranial Ultrasonic Stimulation Safety and Standards (ITRUSST) consortium has formed a subcommittee, endorsed by the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology (IFCN), to develop recommendations for best practices in human TUS applications. The practical guide presented here provides a brief introduction into ultrasound physics and sonication parameters. It explains the requirements of TUS lab equipment and transducer selection and discusses experimental design and procedures alongside potential confounds and control conditions. Finally, the guide elaborates on essential steps of application planning for stimulation safety and efficacy, as well as considerations when combining TUS with neuroimaging, electrophysiology, or other brain stimulation techniques. We hope that this practical guide to TUS will assist both novice and experienced users in planning and conducting high-quality studies and provide a solid foundation for further advancements in this promising field.
Introduction
Purpose
Transcranial ultrasound stimulation
Study Objective
To provide a practical guide to transcranial ultrasonic stimulation produced by the IFCN-endorsed ITRUSST consortium.
Disease model
Healthy
Outcomes and Safety
Summary of Outcomes
Transcranial ultrasonic stimulation can noninvasively modulate neural activity and produce measurable behavioral effects in humans and animals; the consortium endorses low‑intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIFUS) as the preferred approach. Successful parameter regimes reported include sub‑MHz to low‑MHz carrier frequencies, short pulse durations with low duty cycles (pulsed rather than continuous delivery), and acoustic intensities kept within established safety limits.
Safety-related matter
No safety issues or adverse effects are mentioned in the provided excerpt.
Brain Region
Ultrasound Parameters
Focal Characteristics
Focal depth: None; Focal length: None; Aperture size: None
We are open to feedback. If you see a mistake or have a suggestion, please contact us.
← Back to Search