Studies

Help shape the future of brain health by participating in our groundbreaking ultrasound research studies. Be among the first to experience this technology while contributing to advances in neurological treatment.

General Interest Form

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If you're interested in learning whether you may qualify for current or future Nudge clinical trials as well as healthy volunteer studies, submit our general interest form.

Chronic Pain Feasibility Study Interest Form

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Study Purpose: We are studying how transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) affects brain activity in chronic pain using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Please note this is not a treatment study. The information we collect will help us develop better research tools and advance our understanding of chronic pain mechanisms.

The Technology

Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) uses focused sound waves, similar to those used in medical imaging, to deliver precise pulses of energy to specific regions of the brain. The sound waves are generated by a device placed on your head, and the energy levels used are low and within international safety guidelines. While ultrasound is commonly used in medical applications, its use in this study is experimental and has not yet been approved by the FDA for treatment.

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) component of our study is crucial for ensuring accurate and precise application of TUS. MRI provides detailed, real-time images of your brain, allowing us to target specific regions with high precision. The MRI scanner uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create images – there is no radiation involved. During the experiment, you will be in the MRI scanner while we deliver the TUS. The combination of TUS with MRI allows us to both precisely target the stimulation and observe its effects on brain activity.

Inclusion Criteria

We are recruiting for chronic pain related to the following conditions:

  • Arthritis
  • Atypical trigeminal neuralgia
  • Back pain
  • CVID (common variable immunodeficiency)
  • Central sensitivity syndrome
  • Cervical myelopathy
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Chronic migraine without aura
  • Chronic migraines
  • Chronic pain syndrome
  • Chronic pelvic pain syndrome
  • Complex pain syndrome
  • Compressed discs
  • Cranial cervical instability
  • Crohn's disease
  • Degenerative disk disease
  • Dysautonomia
  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
  • Endometriosis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Foot pain
  • Generalized chronic pain
  • Generalized pain syndrome
  • Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)
  • Idiopathic neuropathy
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Joint pain
  • Joint subluxation
  • Lupus
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Myofascial pain syndrome
  • Neuropathy
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Piriformis syndrome
  • Post-cancer pain
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Scleroderma
  • Shoulder pain
  • Small fiber neuropathy
  • TMJ dysfunction

Study Description: During the study, you'll receive targeted sound waves to specific brain regions while in an MRI scanner. The study involves up to 5 visits lasting 1-2 hours each. You will also complete daily questionnaires in between visits.

Study Duration: The study will take approximately 3 weeks.

Location: Mission Bay, San Francisco, CA

If you have experienced chronic pain for the last 3 months, you may qualify for this study.

Substance Use Disorder Feasibility Study Interest Form

Coming Soon

Study Purpose: We are studying how transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) affects brain activity in substance use disorder (SUD) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Please note this is not a treatment study. The information we collect will help us develop better research tools and advance our understanding of substance use disorders. We are not yet enrolling for this study.

The Technology

Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) uses focused sound waves, similar to those used in medical imaging, to deliver precise pulses of energy to specific regions of the brain. The sound waves are generated by a device placed on your head, and the energy levels used are low and within international safety guidelines. While ultrasound is commonly used in medical applications, its use in this study is experimental and has not yet been approved by the FDA for treatment.

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) component of our study is crucial for ensuring accurate and precise application of TUS. MRI provides detailed, real-time images of your brain, allowing us to target specific regions with high precision. The MRI scanner uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create images – there is no radiation involved. During the experiment, you will be in the MRI scanner while we deliver the TUS. The combination of TUS with MRI allows us to both precisely target the stimulation and observe its effects on brain activity.

Study Description: During the study, you'll receive targeted sound waves to specific brain regions while in an MRI scanner. The study involves an intake visit as well as multiple sessions. You may also be asked to complete daily questionnaires in between visits.

Study Duration: The study will take approximately 3 months, beginning with an intake visit, followed by experimental session visits, and follow-up visits at 7, 30, and 90 days.

Location: Mission Bay, San Francisco, CA

If you are diagnosed with substance use disorder (alcohol, opioid, and/or methamphetamine), you may qualify for this study.