Transcranial Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation: A Review of the Excitatory and Inhibitory Effects on Brain Activity in Human and Animals.

Authors: Zhang T, Pan N, Wang Y, Liu C, Hu S

Non-invasive neuromodulation technology is important for the treatment of brain diseases. The effects of focused ultrasound on neuronal activity have been investigated since the 1920s. Low intensity transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) can exert non-destructive mechanical pressure effects on cellular membranes and ion channels and has been shown to modulate the activity of peripheral nerves, spinal reflexes, the cortex, and even deep brain nuclei, such as the thalamus. It has obvious advantages in terms of security and spatial selectivity. This technology is considered to have broad application prospects in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and neuropsychiatric disorders. This review synthesizes animal and human research outcomes and offers an integrated description of the excitatory and inhibitory effects of tFUS in varying experimental and disease conditions.

Introduction

Purpose Transcranial ultrasound stimulation

Study Objective To review and synthesize animal and human studies of low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound to clarify its excitatory and inhibitory neuromodulatory effects across experimental and disease conditions.

Targeted brain region(s) Thalamus

Outcomes and Safety

Summary of Outcomes Low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) produces both excitatory and inhibitory modulation of brain activity in animal and human studies, indicating promise for non-invasive neuromodulation, but no specific ultrasonic parameters were consistently identified as responsible for these effects.

Safety-related matter The paper states that tFUS has advantages in terms of safety and spatial selectivity but does not report specific adverse effects. It also notes that the safety profile in humans (and appropriate device parameters) remains unclear and requires further research.

Brain Region

Ultrasound Parameters

Focal Characteristics Focal depth: None; Focal length: None; Aperture size: None

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