Improving ultrasound therapy for treating essential tremor by modeling skull acoustics
Official title: Acoustic Modeling of skull bone for improved transcranial MR-guided focused ultrasound therapy
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11015757 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to make ultrasound therapy better for people with essential tremor by creating personalized models of how sound travels through their skulls, which could help doctors target the treatment more accurately and improve results.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | July 20, 2023 |
| Project end | July 19, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $43,374 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DE032916-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015757 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with essential tremor who are considering non-invasive treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to essential tremor or those who are not candidates for ultrasound therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of non-invasive ultrasound therapy for neurological disorders, particularly essential tremor. By developing patient-specific models of the skull's acoustic properties, the study aims to improve the targeting of ultrasound beams, which is crucial for successful treatment outcomes. The researchers will use advanced simulations and compare them with clinical data to ensure accuracy in treatment delivery. This approach could lead to more precise and effective therapies for patients suffering from essential tremor.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer ultrasound treatments for patients with essential tremor.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using ultrasound therapy for neurological conditions, indicating that this approach could build on existing successes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clinard, Sam — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Clinard, Sam
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.