Low-intensity focused ultrasound for movement and seizure disorders
Official title: Clinical Effects of Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation in Patients With Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders
Run by University Health Network, Toronto · NCT07417280 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will try low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFUS) to see if it can safely change brain activity in people with movement disorders or epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Health Network, Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 2, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2035 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2040 |
| Registry record updated | August 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07417280 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–85 with Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, orthostatic tremor, dystonia, or epilepsy who meet cognitive and safety criteria (e.g., MoCA ≥22, no contraindicated implants, not pregnant) are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of stroke, comorbid dementia or MoCA <22, contraindicated implants (pacemaker/ICD or certain metal), pregnancy, major systemic illness, or on interfering psychotropic/recreational substances are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFUS) is a noninvasive method that delivers focused acoustic energy to targeted brain regions to modulate neuronal excitability. In this interventional protocol, participants with movement disorders or epilepsy will receive either LIFUS or sham LIFUS while investigators measure changes in brain excitability and related neurophysiologic markers. Prior work in healthy volunteers showed mild reductions in motor cortex excitability, and this trial applies the technique to patients to characterize effects and safety. Participants are screened for contraindications such as implanted metal, low cognitive scores, pregnancy, or major systemic illness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, LIFUS could offer a noninvasive way to reduce abnormal brain excitability and potentially improve symptoms in movement disorders and epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: Early studies in healthy volunteers have shown mild reductions in motor cortex excitability with LIFUS, but clinical benefit in patient populations remains unproven.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 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 Criteria: * History of stroke * Comorbid dementia * Scored below 22 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) * Has an implanted cardiac pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) * Presence of metal implanted in body that is contraindicated in TMS/MRI * Pregnancy * 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 * Receiving a psychotropic medication or taking recreational substances that in the opinion of the investigator will significantly affect safety of the protocol * Major systemic illness or infection
Where it's running
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Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst St
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.