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Individualized non-invasive deep brain stimulation of the basal ganglia using transcranial ultrasound stimulation

Author

Listed:
  • Ghazaleh Darmani

    (University Health Network
    University of Toronto)

  • Hamidreza Ramezanpour

    (York University)

  • Can Sarica

    (University Health Network
    University of Toronto)

  • Regina Annirood

    (University Health Network)

  • Talyta Grippe

    (University Health Network)

  • Jean-Francois Nankoo

    (University Health Network)

  • Anton Fomenko

    (University of Toronto)

  • Brendan Santyr

    (University of Toronto)

  • Ke Zeng

    (University Health Network
    Beijing Normal University)

  • Artur Vetkas

    (University of Toronto)

  • Nardin Samuel

    (University of Toronto)

  • Benjamin Davidson

    (University of Toronto)

  • Alfonso Fasano

    (University Health Network
    University of Toronto
    University Health Network)

  • Milad Lankarany

    (University Health Network)

  • Suneil K. Kalia

    (University Health Network
    University of Toronto)

  • Samuel Pichardo

    (University of Calgary)

  • Andres M. Lozano

    (University Health Network
    University of Toronto)

  • Robert Chen

    (University Health Network
    University of Toronto
    University Health Network)

Abstract

Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) offers precise, non-invasive neuromodulation, though its impact on human deep brain structures remains underexplored. Here we examined TUS-induced changes in the basal ganglia of 10 individuals with movement disorders (Parkinson’s disease and dystonia) and 15 healthy participants. Local field potentials were recorded using deep brain stimulation (DBS) leads in the globus pallidus internus (GPi). Compared to sham, theta burst TUS (tbTUS) increased theta power during stimulation, while 10 Hz TUS enhanced beta power, with effects lasting up to 40 min. In healthy participants, a stop-signal task assessed tbTUS effects on the GPi, with pulvinar stimulation serving as an active sham. GPi TUS prolonged stop-signal reaction times, indicating impaired response inhibition, whereas pulvinar TUS had no effect. These findings provide direct electrophysiological evidence of TUS target engagement and specificity in deep brain structures, suggesting its potential as a noninvasive DBS strategy for neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Suggested Citation

  • Ghazaleh Darmani & Hamidreza Ramezanpour & Can Sarica & Regina Annirood & Talyta Grippe & Jean-Francois Nankoo & Anton Fomenko & Brendan Santyr & Ke Zeng & Artur Vetkas & Nardin Samuel & Benjamin Davi, 2025. "Individualized non-invasive deep brain stimulation of the basal ganglia using transcranial ultrasound stimulation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-57883-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57883-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kai Yu & Xiaodan Niu & Esther Krook-Magnuson & Bin He, 2021. "Intrinsic functional neuron-type selectivity of transcranial focused ultrasound neuromodulation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-17, December.
    2. Sangjin Yoo & David R. Mittelstein & Robert C. Hurt & Jerome Lacroix & Mikhail G. Shapiro, 2022. "Focused ultrasound excites cortical neurons via mechanosensitive calcium accumulation and ion channel amplification," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-13, December.
    3. Siti N. Yaakub & Tristan A. White & Jamie Roberts & Eleanor Martin & Lennart Verhagen & Charlotte J. Stagg & Stephen Hall & Elsa F. Fouragnan, 2023. "Transcranial focused ultrasound-mediated neurochemical and functional connectivity changes in deep cortical regions in humans," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-12, December.
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