Sound waves aimed at brain may quiet schizophrenia symptoms

NCT ID NCT05259306

First seen Apr 07, 2026 · Last updated Jun 23, 2026 · Updated 12 times

Summary

This small pilot study tests whether low-intensity focused ultrasound, guided by MRI, can safely and precisely target a deep brain region called the thalamus in people with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. The goal is to see if this noninvasive technique can reduce symptoms like hallucinations. Only 3 participants are enrolled, and the study is currently on hold.

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This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Contacts and locations

Locations

  • NYU Langone Health

    New York, New York, 10016, United States

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

MRI-guided low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) device

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a new way to reduce hallucinations and other symptoms in people with schizophrenia that hasn't responded to standard treatments.

What could go wrong

This is a very early pilot study with only 3 participants, so results may not apply to others. The study is currently suspended, and the approach is still experimental with unknown effectiveness.

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Schizophrenia, Treatment-Resistant treatment-refractory schizophrenia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.