Sound waves to soothe PTSD? new trial targets brain circuit in healthcare workers

NCT ID NCT07164105

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Inc. Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) can calm overactive brain areas linked to PTSD in frontline healthcare workers. Sixty-six participants will receive either real or fake ultrasound to the brain's cingulate cortex. Researchers will measure changes in brain scans, symptoms, sleep, and heart rate to see if the treatment helps.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment for PTSD symptoms.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase study with only 66 participants and a single session of treatment. Results may not apply to all PTSD patients, and the effect may be temporary or no better than sham.

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.

post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PTSD AND TRAUMA-RELATED SYMPTOMS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Laureate Institute for Brain Research
RECRUITING

Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74136, United States

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