Low intensity focused ultrasound and the motor cortex

Summary

We want to find the best settings for a new brain stimulation tool called low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU).
The researchers of this study need to test the pulse repetition frequency, and the focal spot diameter. They want to find out how a change in those settings can affect movement. The movement measured in this study will be a finger-tapping task.

Researchers use many effective techniques to influence the activity of nerves for research and therapy. Most of these techniques are either not very specific or include invasive procedures like deep brain stimulation surgery. Researchers are exploring low-intensity focused ultrasound as a new non-invasive brain stimulation method. It can be applied on a very specific small region to stimulate the brain from the outside. Several studies have used LIFU to stimulate the part of the brain used for movement which is called the motor cortex.

For this study, you will need to have a brain MRI to get a picture of your brain. The part of your brain that controls movement will be stimulated with this ultrasound tool.

The researchers hope to find ideal LIFU settings with this study. This way, LIFU might become helpful in treating patients with different diseases where movement is affected.