Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Shows Potential as a Noninvasive Approach for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Originally published in Epilepsia

A recent study investigated whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) could reduce seizures in people with drug-resistant epilepsy. LIFU uses focused sound waves to influence activity in a specific area of the brain without surgery or permanently damaging brain tissue. Because it can reach deep brain regions with precision, researchers are exploring whether it could offer an alternative to treatments that require implanted devices or brain surgery.

The pilot study included 12 adults with particularly severe drug-resistant epilepsy. Each participant received one LIFU treatment targeting the brain region where their seizures originated and one sham treatment that looked and felt similar but delivered no ultrasound energy. The order of the treatments was randomized. During the initial four-week comparison, LIFU did not significantly reduce seizure frequency compared with sham treatment. However, during longer-term follow-up after the randomized portion of the study, researchers observed a gradual decrease in seizure frequency following LIFU treatment, with the reduction becoming more apparent over time.

MRI scans performed two weeks after treatment found no structural brain damage and reported side effects were mild to moderate and temporary. Researchers also found that the ultrasound focus did not always reach the intended location precisely, highlighting an important area for improving the technology. The researchers emphasize that larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to determine whether LIFU can reliably reduce seizures and which patients are most likely to benefit.

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