Ultrasound technology used as a ‘search and rescue tool’ for the brain

Ultrasound, once used almost exclusively to take images of the body, is developing into a targeted therapy that can have a potentially life-changing impact on our brains, according to the international research team.

In a new paper published in the journal PLOS Biology, researchers from Stanford University, the University of Plymouth, and Attune Neurosciences claim that ultrasound technology has now been demonstrated to offer a non-invasive and precise way of targeting specific areas of the human brain.

The researchers have begun to investigate how a technique known as transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) can help people with conditions ranging from pain, alcoholism, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and Parkinson’s disease, all without the use of drugs or surgery.

According to the researchers, the technology could also be used to temporarily test areas before treating them, serving as a ‘search and rescue tool for the brain’ to enable scientists and clinicians to find sources of brain-related issues and disorders prior to treating them – which may be on the critical path towards personalised treatments.

“Over many years, we have improved our understanding of how the brain works and the failings within it that lead to neurological and mental health conditions,” Professor Elsa Fouragnan, co-author of the study and lead of The Brain Stimulation Laboratory in Plymouth University’s Brain Research & Imaging Centre (BRIC), said in a statement.

“While advances have been made in treatments, they have not happened at a similar pace. We believe TUS can fill that gap and through our research to this point, we have discovered how it can be a genuine search and rescue tool for the brain. Clinicians and patients are excited about its potential, and if the current pace of development continues, we could have a risk-free technology that can positively impact millions, if not billions, of people.”

The research team said, however, that they acknowledge a number of complex challenges that need to be addressed before TUS can be rolled out in healthcare settings – and maybe even homes – on a global scale.

These include the fact that each of the 8.2bn brains and skulls on the planet is different, and work is still required to tailor the technique so that it can be delivered in such a way as to enable as many people as possible to benefit from it.

The researchers added that while significant advances have been made to the technology, reaching a point where it can still be effective – but also sustainable from a cost perspective – is still some years away.

At present, the research team has developed and are testing a TUS device small and simple enough for people to use at home following a series of clinical assessments, rather than having to continually go into hospitals or other healthcare settings.

“There are countless reasons people can’t get to a clinic, whether it’s financial strain or simply not having the time,” added co-author Dr Keith Murphy, co-founder of Attune Neurosciences and researcher at Stanford University School of Medicine.

“In the past few years, we’ve made substantial progress towards a device that leverages MRI precision guidance but may still be used safely at home. We’ve always believed that portability was a critical step towards making advanced brain therapies accessible to everyone and we’ve made great strides in demonstrating that it works.”

The research paper can be accessed and read in full here.