A Review on Brain Stimulation Using Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound.

Brain stimulation techniques are important in both basic and clinical studies. Majority of well-known brain stimulating techniques have low spatial resolution or entail invasive processes. Low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) seems to be a proper candidate for dealing with such deficiencies. This review recapitulates studies which explored the effects of LIFU on brain structures and its function, in both research and clinical areas. Although the mechanism of LIFU action is still unclear, its different effects from molecular level up to behavioral level can be explored in animal and human brain. It can also be coupled with brain imaging assessments in future research.

Introduction

Purpose Transcranial ultrasound stimulation

Study Objective To review and synthesize studies investigating the effects of low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) on brain structure and function in animal and human research and clinical contexts, and to evaluate its potential as a noninvasive, high-spatial-resolution brain stimulation technique.

Animal model / Human subject Not specified in the text (review article discussing various animal and human studies)

Disease model No specific disease (general brain stimulation research/clinical applications)

MRI or image guidance method Not specified in the provided text

Targeted brain region(s) Not Specified In Provided Text

Cargo name and characteristics Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) — a noninvasive physical neuromodulation technique using focused acoustic energy (ultrasound) to stimulate or modulate brain tissue; not a biological cargo, drug, or nanoparticle.

Route of administration Not applicable (no drug or cargo delivery described)

Outcomes and Safety

Summary of Outcomes Low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) modulates brain structures and function in animals and humans, producing effects detectable from the molecular level through to behavioral outcomes; it is a noninvasive stimulation approach with potential for higher spatial specificity than many traditional techniques and can be combined with brain imaging assessments.

Duration of biological effect Not reported

Safety-related matter No mention of safety, tissue damage, or adverse effects in the provided text.

Brain Region

Ultrasound Parameters

Ultrasound instrument Not stated in the provided text.

FUS Frequency Not specified in the provided text

FUS Intensity Not reported

FUS Pressure Not reported in provided text

FUS Mode pulsed

Pulse duration Not reported

Duration of a single FUS session Not reported in the provided text

Focal Characteristics No details about focal size, depth, or beam diameter reported in the provided text.

Treatment frequency multiple sessions

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