Ultrasound has long been associated with imaging—think pregnancy scans or checking for organ issues. But there's a new wave of innovation bringing this familiar technology into the world of mental health. Therapeutic ultrasound for brain disorders is rapidly emerging as a noninvasive, science-backed way to treat conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and even addiction.
What Is Therapeutic Ultrasound?
Therapeutic ultrasound uses focused sound waves to target specific areas of the brain. These sound waves can either stimulate or gently disrupt brain activity, depending on the goal. The technology falls into two main types:
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU): Uses high-frequency waves (20 kHz to 200 MHz) to directly target and treat brain structures. It’s currently being used for conditions like tremors and Parkinson’s disease. Patients lie on an MRI table with a special helmet fitted with hundreds of ultrasound probes. The entire procedure is typically done in under two hours—and most patients go home the same day.
Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (LIFU): Uses lower frequencies (under 20 kHz) and has shown potential in opening the blood-brain barrier. This is key for treating brain diseases that currently resist medication because the blood-brain barrier blocks many drugs from entering.
How It’s Helping
Parkinson’s Disease and Tremors
Dr. Ali Rezai and his team at West Virginia University’s Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute are performing therapeutic ultrasound procedures regularly for patients with Parkinson’s. The results have been striking. In many cases, patients experience noticeable reduction in tremors immediately after the session.
Alzheimer’s Disease
One of the biggest challenges in treating Alzheimer’s is the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain. LIFU may reduce these plaques by opening the blood-brain barrier and allowing medication or the body’s immune response to clear them more effectively. A recent proof-of-concept trial combining LIFU with aducanumab infusion showed greater plaque reduction compared to medication alone, with minimal side effects.
Addiction and Behavioral Health
Perhaps one of the most exciting frontiers is the use of therapeutic ultrasound for brain disorders related to addiction. Focused ultrasound can target brain areas involved in cravings and impulse control, such as the nucleus accumbens. In a small 2023 study, four individuals with substance use disorder underwent ultrasound targeting during episodes of craving—and showed immediate reductions in desire for the substance.
Why This Matters for the Future of Psychiatry
Noninvasive but Powerful
Unlike surgical interventions or electroconvulsive therapy, therapeutic ultrasound does not require incisions, anesthesia, or electric shocks. The patient is awake and alert during the procedure, and the risks are considerably lower.
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
Dr. Rezai emphasizes that this field is not just for neurologists or psychiatrists. Engineers, physicists, and data scientists are also stepping in to fine-tune the precision and application of ultrasound for mental health.
A Growing Field
At the 2025 AIUM meeting, Dr. Rezai predicted that in ten years, half of all ultrasound professionals in the room would be focused on therapeutic applications. With clinical results piling up and new trials underway, the trajectory is clear: therapeutic ultrasound is here to stay.
How It Works: A Simple Breakdown
Understanding Therapeutic Ultrasound for Brain Disorders
Preparation: Patient undergoes MRI scanning to pinpoint treatment areas.
Procedure: Patient wears a special helmet with 1,000+ ultrasound probes.
Targeting: Sound waves are focused on specific neurons or regions in the brain.
Results: Depending on the goal—reduce tremors, open the blood-brain barrier, or suppress cravings—patients may notice effects immediately or over time.
Recovery: Patients typically resume normal activities the same day.
We’re entering a new era where mental health treatments are becoming more precise, personalized, and noninvasive. Therapeutic ultrasound for brain disorders is one of the most exciting developments in interventional psychiatry. Whether you're a clinician, a researcher, or someone curious about advanced care options, this field is worth watching closely.
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This article was produced using a combination of editorial tools, including AI, as part of our content development process. All content is reviewed by human editors before publication.