Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound Pulses (LIFUP) to Modulate Pain

Completed · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Healthy Adults

In brief

The anterior nuclei of the thalamus in addition to periaqueductal gray (PAG) and rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) are integral regions of a supraspinal opioidergic structure that regulate pain perception. With the capability to influence deep neurological tissues, low intensity frequency ultrasound pulsation (LIFUP) can likely modulate this circuit and induce analgesia. LIFUP deep brain modulation is achieved by induction of focused mechanical waveforms that traverse the cranium and underlying brain tissue. The low frequency of the ultrasonic wave consequently alters neuronal transmission and causes action potential variations through mechanical means, rather than thermal. The purpose of this study is to examine whether stimulation of the anterior nuclei of the thalamus via LIFUP induces analgesia. We hypothesize that suppression of the anterior nuclei of the thalamus will induce a temporary increase in pain tolerance. Moreover, the behavioral changes in pain will correlate with specific regional BOLD changes during pain.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT04339972

Run by

Medical University of South Carolina

People needed

29

Starts

2019-02-01

Expected to finish

2021-07-01

Last updated by the study team

2021-08-19

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 45. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• 18-45 years of age
• Healthy volunteer

You may not qualify if…

• seizure history (individual or family)
• history of depression
• hospitalizations or surgeries in the previous 6 months
• currently experiencing pain
• history of chronic pain
• metal implants or objects (e.g. pacemakers, metal plates, wires)
• pregnant
• alcohol dependence
• illicit drug use in the previous 6 months
• known allergy to capsaicin
• history of brain surgery or brain lesions
• history of loss of consciousness (greater than 15 min)
• on stimulants or medications that lower seizure threshold.

Where it is running

• Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, South Carolina, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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