How Ultrasound Neuromodulation Works - by Sarah Constantin

Physical parameters, mechanisms, and prospects for miniaturization

Low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound (abbreviated tFUS or LIFU) applies weak ultrasound fields to brain tissue from outside the head. Unlike high-intensity ultrasound, which is intended to destroy tissue (like tumors), low-intensity ultrasound applies a much gentler force to tissue. The intensity of ultrasound is a measure of power, denominated in watts per centimeter squared, W/cm^2. Typical peak intensities in human experiments range between 1-30 W/cm^2; this is well below the FDA-given upper bounds for safe diagnostic ultrasound for imaging inside the head, a maximum spatial…

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