RecruitingNot Applicable

LIFUS For Neurological Disorders

Canada50 participantsStarted 2025-12-02

Plain-language summary

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.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 85 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

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

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Neurophysiological Effects of Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound

Timeframe: Baseline and post-intervention on Day 1

Change in Clinical and Behavioral Function Following LIFUS

Timeframe: Baseline and post-intervention on Day 1

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07417280

SponsorUniversity Health Network, Toronto

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2035-12-31

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