Neuromodulatory Focused Ultrasound for Epilepsy: Are Animal Models Useful?

ACS Chem Neurosci. 2024 May 1;15(9):1728-1731. doi: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00198. Epub 2024 Apr 18.

Abstract

Ultrasound neuromodulation is a potential alternative therapy for suppressing epileptic discharges. Recently, several human clinical trials have reported promising results from repeated focused ultrasound (FUS) treatments for temporal lobe epilepsy. In this Viewpoint, we highlight the valuable guidance of preclinical validation methods for choosing the optimal FUS parameters, thus ensuring consistency with the outcomes of clinical trials and leading human trials to the safest and most effective approaches.

Keywords: Focused ultrasound; clinical trial; epilepsy; kainic acid model; neuromodulation; translation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Epilepsy* / therapy
  • Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / therapy
  • Humans
  • Ultrasonic Therapy / methods