LIFU AUD
LIFU AUD
LIFU AUD
LIFU AUD

LIFU AUD - Ultrasound Neuromodulation of the Brain for Alcohol Use Disorder

Study Basics

Are you over the age of 18 and diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a feasibility research study to determine if Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (LIFU) can be used to change brain activity in a brain region related to alcohol craving.

Study Purpose

The study team is investigating if Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (LIFU) can be used to suppress cravings in alcohol use disorder.

Once screening is completed, study participants will undergo two LIFU treatment sessions over two study visits. In one of these sessions, participants will receive LIFU treatment to a key brain area involved in alcohol craving. This brain region is called the ventral striatum. In the other session, you will receive LIFU treatment to a different brain area involved in sensation. This is called ventroposterolateral thalamus and is not usually associated with craving or alcohol use disorder. This is used as a control treatment. You will not be told which treatment you will receive during each of these sessions to control for placebo effects.

Could this study be right for you?

Eligible participants are:

  • Age 18 or older  
  • Diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

What participants can expect

This study will require an in-person visit to the research site once a week for five weeks, totaling five study visits. During the first visit, study participants will meet with the study team, review the consent documentation, and complete screening procedures.  The next three visits involve brain scans and/or LIFU treatment. The final visit will be follow-up procedures.

IRB: 24-41884 - Ultrasound Neuromodulation of the Brain for Alcohol Use Disorder

Learn More about LIFU

ClinicalTrials.gov

Contact the Research Team if you are interested in participating

Study Contact Form

Study Personnel

Khaled Moussawi, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

 

Associate Professor in Residence in the departments of Neurology and Psychiatry at UCSF with extensive experience in substance use disorders and neuromodulation. Dr. Moussawi is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Catherine Borror, BS, CCRP

Senior Clinical Research Coordinator

 

Catherine Borror is a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) through the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) with experience in study design and coordination at UCSF working in the Neurology Department.

Sierra Brandts, BS

Clinical Research Coordinator

 

Sierra Brandts is a Clinical Research Coordinator with experience in neurophysiology from the University of the South. 

 

Ananya Madhusudhan

Clinical Research Coordinator

 

Ananya Madhusudhan is a Clinical Research Coordinator with experience in Biomedical Engineering from Northeastern University.