Zapped to attention: ultrasound brain boost trial pulled before start
NCT ID NCT06461221
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study planned to use focused ultrasound to stimulate a deep brain region involved in alertness. Researchers wanted to see if it could improve reaction time and change brain wave patterns. The trial was withdrawn before any participants were enrolled, so no results are available.
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 (device)
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Early phase 1
The earliest testing in people: a first look at safety, in a very small group.
- Started
-
Aug 2025
- Finished
-
Aug 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
22 to 55 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * 22 - 55 y.o. * Endorse good health with no history of mental or physical illness * Negative urine pregnancy test if female * Willingness to adhere to the FUS study schedule and assessments * Able to read consent document and provide informed consent. * English is a first or primary fluent language. Exclusion Criteria: * Any current psychiatric diagnosis or current Clinical Global Impression ratings of psychiatric illness \> 1 * Neurodevelopmental disorders, history of CNS disease, concussion, overnight hospitalization, or other neurologic sequela, tumors, seizures, meningitis, encephalitis, or abnormal CT or MRI of the brain * Any psychotropic medication is taken within 5 half-lives of procedure time * Any head trauma resulting in loss of consciousness * Visual impairment (except the use of glasses) * Inability to complete cognitive testing * Active participation or plan for enrollment in another evidence-based clinical trial affecting the psychosocial function * Repeated abuse or dependence upon drugs (excluding nicotine and caffeine) or taking medications including stimulants, modafinil, thyroid medication, or steroids * Implanted devices/ferrous metal of any kind * History of seizure or epilepsy, currently taking medications that lower seizure thresholds * Claustrophobia or other conditions that would prevent the MRI assessment. * Pregnancy (or suspected/possible pregnancy or plan to become pregnant in the short term). * Urine Pregnancy Test: If the subject is a woman of childbearing potential and /or a man capable of fathering a child before, during, and/or after participation precautions should be taken. Examples of acceptable methods of birth control for participants involved in the study include birth control pills, patches, IUDs, condoms, sponges, diaphragm with spermicide, or avoiding sexual activity that could cause the subject to become pregnant. * Inability to adhere to the treatment schedule. * Inability to fit the wearable device to the user's head.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States
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