Publications by authors named "N Y Spivak"
Background: Low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) is a brain stimulation approach that holds promise for the treatment of brain-based disorders. Studies in humans have shown that tFUS can successfully modulate perfusion in focal sonication targets, including the amygdala; however, limited research has explored how tFUS impacts large-scale neural networks.
Objective: The aim of the current study was to address this gap and examine changes in resting-state connectivity between large-scale network nodes using a randomized, double-blind, within-subjects crossover study design.
Transcranial Focused Ultrasound Stimulation (tFUS) is a new, rapidly growing field related to the study and treatment of brain circuits. Establishing safety cutoffs for focused ultrasound is crucial for non-ablative neurological ultrasound experiments. In addition to potential focal heating, there is concern about temperature elevation at the skin surface.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEssential tremor (ET) is a prevalent movement disorder characterized by action tremors, predominantly affecting the upper limbs. While various pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions have shown efficacy in managing ET, the therapeutic role of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) remains uncertain. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from clinical trials investigating rTMS as a treatment for ET.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The study investigated the use of transcranial focused ultrasound (tfUS) to treat patients with treatment-refractory generalized anxiety disorder (trGAD) by targeting the right amygdala.
- Twenty-five participants received eight weekly tfUS sessions and were assessed using anxiety measures such as the Hamilton Anxiety Inventory (HAM-A) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), showing significant reductions in anxiety levels post-treatment.
- The findings indicate that tfUS is a safe and potentially effective intervention for anxiety disorders, meriting further research into its applications for psychiatric and neurological conditions.
Background: The amygdala is highly implicated in an array of psychiatric disorders but is not accessible using currently available noninvasive neuromodulatory techniques. Low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound (TFUS) is a neuromodulatory technique that has the capability of reaching subcortical regions noninvasively.
Methods: We studied healthy older adult participants ( = 21, ages 48-79 years) who received TFUS targeting the right amygdala and left entorhinal cortex (active control region) using a 2-visit within-participant crossover design.