A Comprehensive Review of Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Parameters and Applications in Neurologic and Psychiatric Disorders

Objectives: Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) is gaining increased interest as a potential therapeutic modality for a range of neuropsychiatric diseases. Current neuromodulation modalities often require a choice between high spatial fidelity or invasiveness. LIFU is unique because it provides high spatial acuity of both superficial and deep neural structures while remaining noninvasive, offering potential treatment options for disorders involving aberrant neurocircuitry within deep brain structures, including pain and substance use disorders. LIFU is compatible with noninvasive neuroimaging techniques (fMRI, EEG), making it a useful tool for precise clinical neuroscience research. Materials and Methods: This review covers three domains: 1) history of focused ultrasound technology and comparisons with other neuromodulation methods, 2) LIFU parameters and proposed mechanisms, and 3) consolidation of clinical research using LIFU to modify or ameliorate neuropsychiatric conditions. Results: The impact of LIFU in poststroke motor changes, pain, mood disorders, disorders of consciousness, dementia, and substance abuse is discussed. Conclusions: Although still in its infancy, LIFU is a promising tool that could change the approach to treating neuropsychiatric disorders. This review provides a snapshot of current understanding of LIFU in neuropsychiatric research. Keywords: Dementia, depression, low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU), neuromodulation, neuropsychiatric disorders

Stewart S. Cox, Dillon J. Connolly, Xiaolong Peng, Bashar W. Badran