Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease Treatment

The objective of this study is to determine if externally-applied low frequency ultrasound will diminish or eliminate some of the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) much like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) does.

The ultrasound approach would eliminate the need for invasive brain surgery. The ultrasound approach has been studied in other neurological diseases, but is just being considered as a replacement for DBS in PD. The low frequency transducers are able to penetrate deep into the brain and are highly focused. PET and fMRI scanning will be used to find appropriate areas to focus the sound beams.

Studies are ongoing in other labs, but the Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre group has the advantage of extensive experience with PET and fMRI imaging, and the ability to focus on the appropriate brain area using functional and anatomical imaging.

The principal investigator on this study is Dr. Martin McKeown, who holds the John L. Nichol Chair in Parkinson’s Research, and also is the Head of Neurology Branch at PPRC.