Psychiatric conditions could be treated with targeted transcranial ultrasound stimulation

Research by neuroscientists at Plymouth University explored the impacts of the emerging technique, which is detailed in Nature Communications.

Ultrasound examinations involve diffuse broad beams of ultrasound being used to create images while leaving the target tissue unaffected. Focusing the beams through TUS can increase the pressure in the target region and change the way neurons communicate.

The research team said a study involving 24 healthy adults showed that TUS can induce significant changes in GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) concentration within the brain’s posterior cingulate cortex in the hour following ultrasound treatment.

The study also showed that in the hour following the TUS treatment, the way the posterior cingulate cortex communicates with the rest of the brain was also profoundly altered.

However, the changes were not consistent across all areas, with GABA levels not being altered in the anterior cingulate cortex, another cortical area equally related to psychiatric conditions but underlying different cognitive functions, particularly related to decision making, learning and attention regulation.