Sound waves zapped into brain may curb addiction urges
NCT ID NCT06477029
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a brief, low-intensity ultrasound aimed at a brain region called the ventral striatum could change activity linked to impulsive behavior. Twenty-five healthy adults received both real and sham ultrasound in separate sessions. The goal was to see if this safe, non-invasive technique could alter brain responses to prediction errors, which are key in addiction.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment for cocaine use disorder.
- What could go wrong
- This was a small, early study in healthy adults, not people with addiction. It only looked at immediate brain changes, not actual behavior or long-term effects.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
-
UPMC
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States
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