LIFUS For Neurological Disorders
Key facts
- Where
- Toronto, CanadaSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 85 years old?
Where in Canada
- Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst StToronto, CanadaTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University Health Network, Toronto
- Trial code
- NCT07417280
- Record updated
- 13 August 2026
- Original description
Low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFUS) has the potential to be used as a means of non-invasive neuro-modulation. To this day, the use of LIFUS is under investigation. Studies in healthy subjects have shown that application of LIFUS to the motor region of the brain can mildly decrease neuron excitability in healthy controls. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effects of LIFUS on brain tissue excitability in patients with movement disorders in order to elucidate the therapeutic potential of LIFUS.Read full original descriptionShow less
Clinical Effects of Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation in Patients With Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders
Low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFUS) has the potential to be used as a means of non-invasive neuro-modulation. To this day, the use of LIFUS is under investigation. Studies in healthy subjects have shown that application of LIFUS to the motor region of the brain can mildly decrease neuron excitability in healthy controls. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effects of LIFUS on brain tissue excitability in patients with movement disorders in order to elucidate the therapeutic potential of LIFUS.
Inclusion: 18-85 years of age; Patients diagnosed with neurological disorders, (such as epilepsy, brain tumour, movement disorders) or psychiatric disorders (such as substance abuse disorder); Patients undergoing medical or surgical treatment (such as DBS) for neurological disorders.
Exclusion: Receiving a psychotropic medication or taking recreational substances that in the opinion of the investigator will significantly affect safety of the protocol; History of stroke; Comorbid dementia; Has an implanted cardiac pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD); Major depression/psychiatric disorder that in the opinion of the Investigator will affect patient's understanding of study procedures and willingness to abide by all procedures during the course of the study; Major systemic illness or infection; Scored below 22 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); Presence of metal implanted in body that is contraindicated in TMS/MRI; Pregnancy.