Investigating how focused ultrasound can help manage chronic pain
Official title: High resolution interrogation of the insula in mechanisms of chronic pain
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-10792927 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gentle ultrasound treatment can help reduce chronic pain by targeting a specific area in the brain, and it's open to both healthy volunteers and people with conditions like fibromyalgia to see how well it works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | February 22, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $236,968 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AT012247-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10792927 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, as well as healthy volunteers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain conditions or those who do not experience chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the use of low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) as a non-drug treatment for chronic pain, particularly targeting the insular cortex of the brain. By focusing ultrasound on specific sub-regions of the insula, the study aims to understand how this technique can influence brain activity and reduce pain sensations in individuals with chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia. Participants will include healthy volunteers and those suffering from chronic pain, allowing researchers to assess the effectiveness of this innovative approach. The study will involve non-invasive procedures to monitor brain responses and pain levels.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, non-addictive treatments for chronic pain, reducing reliance on opioids.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggests that similar approaches using focused ultrasound have shown promise in reducing pain, indicating potential for success in this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Legon, Wynn — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Legon, Wynn
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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.