"Noninvasive Ultrasound Pulses Could Treat Neuro Disorders, Enhance Cognitive Function"

Rather than using electrical stimulation as a treatment option for neurological disorders, research suggest that ultrasound waves may be a new and better approach.

Previously, researchers at Arizona State University had been able to stimulate action potentials in dishes containing brain tissue.  Now, using very sensitive ultrasound pulses, the team was able to elicit motor responses from an anesthetized mouse.  Getting the responses through the layers of skin and bone now brings the procedure for future consideration as a treatment option.

The hope is to use ultrasound pulses to help diagnose neurological disorders and even treat certain dysfunctions.  Interestingly, the team found that certain cognitive abilities like memory formation can also be influenced by ultrasound.  Also, ultrasound was found to stimulate brain-derived neuortrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus, which could aid in increasing brain plasticity or even treat PTSD.

Ultimately, the ultrasound procedure could have use as a noninvasive treatment for some neurological conditions without a cure, like Alzheimers, and speaking radically, it has stimulated interest in future developments to allow brain-machine interfaces that apply to communication and entertainment.  The latter, however, is very much a futuristic hypothesis that is many years down the road.

I personally found this topic to be of interest because there seemed to be a huge lack of treatments available for the neurological disorders we discussed in class.  I think the concept of making a difference in the lives of those affected by these conditions without have to be invasive is an attractive prospect, and the fact that it’s using a technology that has existed for a while is exciting because it could mean that many of the devices and procedures we use now could have other more exciting uses.

Source:

http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2010-06/noninvasive-ultrasound-pulses-could-treat-neuro-disorders-enhance-congnitive-function