Ultrasound Neuromodulation: A Review of Results, Mechanisms and Safety

Ultrasonic neuromodulation is a rapidly growing field, in which low-intensity ultrasound (US) is delivered to nervous system tissue, resulting in transient modulation of neural activity. This review summarizes the findings in the central and peripheral nervous systems from mechanistic studies in cell culture to cognitive behavioral studies in humans. The mechanisms by which US mechanically interacts with neurons and could affect firing are presented. An in-depth safety assessment of current studies shows that parameters for the human studies fall within the safety envelope for US imaging. Challenges associated with accurately targeting US and monitoring the response are described. In conclusion, the literature…

• WT
  Wellcome Trust

  Awards: 203139/Z/16/Z, 203139, 105651/Z/14/Z
• UO
  University of Oxford
• MR
  Medical Research Council

  Awards: 203139/Z/16/Z, K010395, MR/K010395/1, MR/K010395/1
• EA
  Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

  Awards: EP/L024012/1, 203139/Z/16/Z