Despite growing knowledge of key brain networks involved in consciousness, treatment options for patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) are very limited. In tandem with our effort to characterize the neural correlates of consciousness and predict outcome, our team is dedicated to leveraging recent discoveries to develop novel therapies that promote recovery from disorders of consciousness. Guided by this mission and building upon prior research that has demonstrated the importance of the thalamus (a key brain “hub” between the brainstem and cortex) in modulating consciousness, our team will be using transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (tFUS) to reactivate the thalamus and promote recovery of consciousness. tFUS is a noninvasive method of delivering ultrasound stimulation to targeted brain structures.

Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Pulsation (LIFUP): https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06939348

Promoting Recovery After Brain Injury Using Focused Ultrasound (REBOUND): https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07277309