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Matt E, Radjenovic S, Mitterwallner M, Beisteiner R. Current state of clinical ultrasound neuromodulation. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1420255. [PMID: 38962179 PMCID: PMC11219564 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1420255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Unmatched by other non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, transcranial ultrasound (TUS) offers highly focal stimulation not only on the cortical surface but also in deep brain structures. These unique attributes are invaluable in both basic and clinical research and might open new avenues for treating neurological and psychiatric diseases. Here, we provide a concise overview of the expanding volume of clinical investigations in recent years and upcoming research initiatives concerning focused ultrasound neuromodulation. Currently, clinical TUS research addresses a variety of neuropsychiatric conditions, such as pain, dementia, movement disorders, psychiatric conditions, epilepsy, disorders of consciousness, and developmental disorders. As demonstrated in sham-controlled randomized studies, TUS neuromodulation improved cognitive functions and mood, and alleviated symptoms in schizophrenia and autism. Further, preliminary uncontrolled evidence suggests relieved anxiety, enhanced motor functions in movement disorders, reduced epileptic seizure frequency, improved responsiveness in patients with minimally conscious state, as well as pain reduction after neuromodulatory TUS. While constrained by the relatively modest number of investigations, primarily consisting of uncontrolled feasibility trials with small sample sizes, TUS holds encouraging prospects for treating neuropsychiatric disorders. Larger sham-controlled randomized trials, alongside further basic research into the mechanisms of action and optimal sonication parameters, are inevitably needed to unfold the full potential of TUS neuromodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Roland Beisteiner
- Functional Brain Diagnostics and Therapy, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Seo H, Han M, Choi JR, Kim S, Park J, Lee EH. Numerical Investigation of Layered Homogeneous Skull Model for Simulations of Transcranial Focused Ultrasound. Neuromodulation 2024:S1094-7159(24)00072-2. [PMID: 38691075 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The influence of the intracranial pressure field must be discussed with the development of a single-element transducer for low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound because the skull plays a significant role in blocking and dispersing ultrasound wave propagation. Ultrasound propagation is mainly affected by the structure and acoustic properties of the skull; thus, we aimed to investigate the impact of simplifying the acoustic properties of the skull on the simulation of the transcranial pressure field to present guidance for efficient skull modeling in full-wave simulations. MATERIALS AND METHODS We constructed a three-dimensional computational model for ultrasound transmission with the same structure but varying acoustic properties of the skull. The structural information and heterogeneous acoustic properties of the skull were acquired from computed tomography images, and we segmented the skull into three layers (3 L), including spongy and compact bones. We then assigned homogeneous acoustic properties to a single layer (1 L) or 3 L of the skull. In addition, we investigated the influence of different types of transducers and different ultrasound frequencies (1.1 MHz, 0.5 MHz, and 0.25 MHz) on the intracranial pressure field to provide a comparison of the heterogenous and homogeneous models. RESULTS We indicated the importance of numerical simulations in estimating the intracranial pressure field of the skull owing to beam distortions. When we simplified the skull model, both the 1 L and 3 L models showed contours of the acoustic focus comparable to those of the heterogeneous model. When we evaluated the peak pressure and volume of the acoustic focus, the 1 L model produced a better estimation of peak pressure with a difference <10%, and the 3 L model is suitable to obtain smaller errors in the volume of the acoustic focus. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, we examined the possibility of simplification of skull models using 1 L and 3 L homogeneous properties in the numerical simulation for focused ultrasound. The results show that the layered homogeneous model can provide characteristics comparable to those of the acoustic focus in heterogeneous models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon Seo
- Department of AI Convergence Engineering, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea; Department of Computer Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Mun Han
- Medical Device Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (K-MEDI hub), Daegu, Korea
| | - Jong-Ryul Choi
- Medical Device Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (K-MEDI hub), Daegu, Korea
| | - Seungmin Kim
- Medical Device Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (K-MEDI hub), Daegu, Korea
| | - Juyoung Park
- Medical Device Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (K-MEDI hub), Daegu, Korea; Department of High-Tech Medical Device, College of Future Industry, Gachon University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Eun-Hee Lee
- Medical Device Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (K-MEDI hub), Daegu, Korea.
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Chen X, You J, Ma H, Zhou M, Huang C. Transcranial pulse stimulation in Alzheimer's disease. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14372. [PMID: 37469252 PMCID: PMC10848065 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS) is a novel noninvasive ultrasonic brain stimulation that can increase cortical and corticospinal excitability, induce neuroplasticity, and increase functional connectivity within the brain. Several trials have confirmed its potential in treating Alzheimer's disease (AD). OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect and safety of TPS on AD. DESIGN A systematic review. METHODS PubMed, Embase via Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), VIP (China Science and Technology Journal Database), and WanFang were searched from inception to April 1, 2023. Study selection, data extraction, and quality evaluation of the studies were conducted by two reviewers independently, with any controversy resolved by consensus. The Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies was used to assess the risk of bias. RESULTS Five studies were included in this review, with a total of 99 patients with AD. For cognitive performance, TPS significantly improved the scores of the CERAD (Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease) test battery, Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (cognitive), Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Mini-Mental Status Examination. For depressive symptoms, TPS significantly reduced the scores of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (affective), Geriatric Depression Score, and Beck Depression Inventory. By functional magnetic resonance imaging, studies have shown that TPS improved cognitive performance in AD patients by increasing functional connectivity in the hippocampus, parahippocampal cortex, precuneus, and parietal cortex, and activating cortical activity in the bilateral hippocampus. TPS alleviated depressive symptoms in AD patients by decreasing functional connectivity between the ventromedial network (left frontal orbital cortex) and the salience network (right anterior insula). Adverse events in this review, including headache, worsening mood, jaw pain, nausea, and drowsiness, were reversible and lasted no longer than 1 day. No serious adverse events or complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS TPS is promising in improving cognitive performance and reducing depressive symptoms in patients with AD. TPS may be a safe adjunct therapy in the treatment of AD. However, these findings lacked a sham control and were limited by the small sample size of the included studies. Further research may be needed to better explore the potential of TPS. PATIENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT Patients and the public were not involved in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation MedicineWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan ProvinceWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- School of Rehabilitation SciencesWest China School of MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Jiuhong You
- Department of Rehabilitation MedicineWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan ProvinceWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- School of Rehabilitation SciencesWest China School of MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Hui Ma
- Department of Rehabilitation MedicineWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan ProvinceWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- School of Rehabilitation SciencesWest China School of MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Mei Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation MedicineWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan ProvinceWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- School of Rehabilitation SciencesWest China School of MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Cheng Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation MedicineWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan ProvinceWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
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Badawe HM, El Hassan RH, Khraiche ML. Modeling ultrasound modulation of neural function in a single cell. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22522. [PMID: 38046165 PMCID: PMC10686887 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Low intensity ultrasound stimulation has been shown to non-invasively modulate neural function in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) with high precision. Ultrasound sonication is capable of either excitation or inhibition, depending on the ultrasound parameters used. On the other hand, the mode of interaction of ultrasonic waves with the neural tissue for effective neuromodulation remains ambiguous. New method Here within we propose a numerical model that incorporates the mechanical effects of ultrasound stimulation on the Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) neuron by incorporating the relation between increased external pressure and the membrane induced tension, with a stress on the flexoelectric effect on the neural membrane. The external pressure causes an increase in the total tension of the membrane thus affecting the probability of the ion channels being open after the conformational changes that those channels undergo. Results The interplay between varying the acoustic intensities and frequencies depicts different action potential suppression rates, whereby a combination of low intensity and low frequency ultrasound sonication proved to be the most effective in modulating neural function.Comparison with Existing Methods: Our method solely depends on the HH model of a single neuron and the linear flexoelectric effect of the dielectric neural membrane, when under an ultrasound-induced mechanical strain, while varying the ion-channels conductances based on different sonication frequencies and intensities. We study the effect of ultrasound parameters on the firing rate, latency, and action potential amplitude of a HH neuron for a better understanding of the neuromodulation modality of ultrasound stimulation (in the continuous and pulsed modes). Conclusions This simulation work confirms the published experimental data that low intensity and low frequency ultrasound sonication has a higher success rate of modulating neural firing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba M. Badawe
- Neural Engineering and Nanobiosensors Group, Biomedical Engineering Program, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rima H. El Hassan
- Neural Engineering and Nanobiosensors Group, Biomedical Engineering Program, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Massoud L. Khraiche
- Neural Engineering and Nanobiosensors Group, Biomedical Engineering Program, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Fong TKH, Cheung T, Ngan STJ, Tong K, Lui WYV, Chan WC, Wong CSM, Cheng CPW. Transcranial pulse stimulation in the treatment of mild neurocognitive disorders. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2023; 10:1885-1890. [PMID: 37607114 PMCID: PMC10578878 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There are limited effectiveness and potential side effects of existing pharmacological approach in treating mild neurocognitive disorder (NCD). Transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS) applies repetitive single high-pressure ultrashort shockwave pulses to stimulate the brain, which has been shown to effectively improve cognition in major NCD. However, the effectiveness of TPS in mild NCD patients remained unknown. This study aims to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of TPS with neuro-navigation in old-age adults with mild NCD by both clinical and biochemical assessments. METHODS An open-label study recruited older adults with mild NCD to receive neuro-navigated TPS intervention for two weeks with three sessions per week. Assessments included detailed cognitive assessments, APOE genotype, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). RESULTS Nineteen participants (12 females and 7 males) completed the whole TPS interventions with no serious adverse effects reported. Repeated measures ANOVA showed statistically significant effects of time on HK-MoCA (F (3, 54) = 4.99, P = 0.004), 30-sec interval of Verbal Fluency Test (F (3, 54) = 2.94, P = 0.041), Stroop interference (F (3, 54) = 3.46, P = 0.023), and Chinese IADL (F (3, 54) = 2.78, P = 0.050) after receiving the intervention. Bonferroni post hoc comparisons on HK-MoCA showed a significant improvement after intervention. There was no significant change in serum BDNF level. INTERPRETATION TPS has brought significant improvement in cognition of elderly with mild NCD. It has a great potential to delay the deterioration of cognition in older adults. The long-term effect of TPS in cognition would benefit from further large-scale, randomized, sham-controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Teris Cheung
- School of NursingThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHong KongChina
| | | | - Kelvin Tong
- Department of PsychiatryThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | | | - Wai Chi Chan
- Department of PsychiatryThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Corine Sau Man Wong
- Division of Community Medicine and Public Health PracticeThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
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Cheung T, Chau B, Fong KH, Lam JYT, Lo H, Li MH, Li AMMC, Beisteiner R, Lei S, Yee BK, Cheng CPW. Evaluating the efficacy and safety of transcranial pulse stimulation on adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Study protocol of a pilot randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1076086. [PMID: 37056363 PMCID: PMC10086174 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1076086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundTraditional treatment alone might not effectively control the severity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) technology used on older adults with mild neurocognitive disorders and adults with major depressive disorder. However, there has been no study conducted on young adolescents with ADHD. This will be the first nationwide study evaluating the efficacy and safety of TPS in the treatment of ADHD among young adolescents in Hong Kong.MethodsThis study proposes a double-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled trial including TPS as an intervention group and a sham TPS group. Both groups will be measured at baseline (T1), immediately after the intervention (T2), and at the 1-month (T3) and 3-month follow-ups (T4).RecruitmentA total of 30 subjects aged between 12 and 17 years, diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), will be recruited in this study. All subjects will be computer randomized into either the intervention group or the sham TPS group on a 1:1 ratio.InterventionAll subjects in each group will have to undertake functional MRI (fMRI) before and after six 30-min TPS sessions, which will be completed in 2 weeks' time.OutcomesBaseline measurements and post-TPS evaluation of the ADHD symptoms and executive functions will also be conducted on all participants. The 1- and 3-month follow-up periods will be used to assess the long-term sustainability of the TPS intervention. For statistical analysis, ANOVA with repeated measures will be used to analyze data. Missing data were managed by multiple imputations. The level of significance will be set to p < 0.05.Significance of the studyResults emerging from this study will generate new knowledge to ascertain whether TPS can be used as a top-on treatment for ADHD.Clinical trial registrationclinicaltrails.gov, identifier: NCT05422274.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teris Cheung
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Mental Health Research Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Teris Cheung
| | - Bolton Chau
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kwan Hin Fong
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Joyce Yuen Ting Lam
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Herman Lo
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Man Ho Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | | | - Sun Lei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Benjamin K. Yee
- The Mental Health Research Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Calvin Pak Wing Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Calvin Pak Wing Cheng
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Radjenovic S, Dörl G, Gaal M, Beisteiner R. Safety of Clinical Ultrasound Neuromodulation. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12101277. [PMID: 36291211 PMCID: PMC9599299 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12101277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial ultrasound holds much potential as a safe, non-invasive modality for navigated neuromodulation, with low-intensity focused ultrasound (FUS) and transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS) representing the two main modalities. While neuroscientific and preclinical applications have received much interest, clinical applications are still relatively scarce. For safety considerations, the current literature is largely based on guidelines for ultrasound imaging that uses various physical parameters to describe the ultrasound pulse form and expected bioeffects. However, the safety situation for neuromodulation is inherently different. This article provides an overview of relevant ultrasound parameters with a focus on bioeffects relevant for safe clinical applications. Further, a retrospective analysis of safety data for clinical TPS applications in patients is presented.
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