Individualized non-invasive deep brain stimulation of the basal ganglia using transcranial ultrasound stimulation

Ghazaleh Darmani (), Hamidreza Ramezanpour, Can Sarica, Regina Annirood, Talyta Grippe, Jean-Francois Nankoo, Anton Fomenko, Brendan Santyr, Ke Zeng, Artur Vetkas, Nardin Samuel, Benjamin Davidson, Alfonso Fasano, Milad Lankarany, Suneil K. Kalia, Samuel Pichardo, Andres M. Lozano and Robert Chen ()
Additional contact information
Ghazaleh Darmani: University Health Network
Hamidreza Ramezanpour: York University
Can Sarica: University Health Network
Regina Annirood: University Health Network
Talyta Grippe: University Health Network
Jean-Francois Nankoo: University Health Network
Anton Fomenko: University of Toronto
Brendan Santyr: University of Toronto
Ke Zeng: University Health Network
Artur Vetkas: University of Toronto
Nardin Samuel: University of Toronto
Benjamin Davidson: University of Toronto
Alfonso Fasano: University Health Network
Milad Lankarany: University Health Network
Suneil K. Kalia: University Health Network
Samuel Pichardo: University of Calgary
Andres M. Lozano: University Health Network
Robert Chen: University Health Network

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-17

Abstract: Abstract Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) offers precise, non-invasive neuromodulation, though its impact on human deep brain structures remains underexplored. Here we examined TUS-induced changes in the basal ganglia of 10 individuals with movement disorders (Parkinson’s disease and dystonia) and 15 healthy participants. Local field potentials were recorded using deep brain stimulation (DBS) leads in the globus pallidus internus (GPi). Compared to sham, theta burst TUS (tbTUS) increased theta power during stimulation, while 10 Hz TUS enhanced beta power, with effects lasting up to 40 min. In healthy participants, a stop-signal task assessed tbTUS effects on the GPi, with pulvinar stimulation serving as an active sham. GPi TUS prolonged stop-signal reaction times, indicating impaired response inhibition, whereas pulvinar TUS had no effect. These findings provide direct electrophysiological evidence of TUS target engagement and specificity in deep brain structures, suggesting its potential as a noninvasive DBS strategy for neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57883-7

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