Breakthrough Ultrasound Helmet Shows โPromise for Non-invasive Parkinson’s Treatment
OXFORD, UK – A new โคhelmet utilizing focused ultrasound โฃwaves could offer a non-surgical path to alleviating symptoms of neurological diseases like Parkinson’s, according to a study published in Nature Communications. Developed by researchers at the University of Oxford and University College London (UCL), the device demonstrates “remarkable accuracy” in targeting deep brainโ structures – a feat previously โคunattainable with ultrasound technology.
Unlike current deep brain stimulation (DBS) methods which require surgically implanted electrodes, โคthis system โuses mechanical ultrasound impulses to modulate brainโ activity. Researchers report the helmet can target brain areas 1000 times smaller than previously possibleโ with ultrasound, opening doors to more precise and lessโค invasive treatments.
The helmet, equipped with 256 โultrasound sources, is designed to fit within an MRI scanner. “At first it is chunky and oppressive to put it on, but thenโค it โwill be more pleasant,” explained Ioana Grigoras, study author and aโ test subject.
In initial trials involvingโ seven healthy participants, the team โsuccessfully directed ultrasound waves towards โฃthe lateral geniculate โคnucleus (LGN), โa keyโค processing center for visual information. Professor Charlotte Stagg of the University of Oxford,โ who led the project, highlighted the significance ofโข this achievement:โ “The โขwavesโ reached their โฃgoal with remarkable accuracy. That alone was exceptional – and nobody did it before.”
The modulation of the LGN โresulted in measurable changes in the visual cortex, including reduced activity.Professor Stagg drew a parallel to Parkinson’s treatment, stating, “the equivalent of Parkinson’s patients would be to meet a motor control center โฃand to alleviate trembling.”
Researchers, including UCL scientists Elly โขMartin and Brad Treeby, are now working towards a โขstandaloneโข version of the device. “Atโค the moment he still needs an MRI to be controlled,” said Treeby, “But with the help of AI, he could also work independently in the future – such as for โuse at home.”
Beyond Parkinson’s, the team โฃenvisions potential applications for conditions like schizophrenia, depression, โchronic pain, โand stroke rehabilitation. โข
“But our long-term goal is to further develop the โคsystem into a practical clinical toolโ that could complement or even replace invasive brain implants,” added Martin,emphasizing โคthe importance of patient collaboration in refining the device for comfort and versatility. Further studies โare planned to validate these promising initial findings.
