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Advances in using ultrasound to regulate the nervous system

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Abstract

Ultrasound is a mechanical vibration with a frequency greater than 20 kHz. Due to its high spatial resolution, good directionality, and convenient operation in neural regulation, it has recently received increasing attention from scientists. However, the mechanism by which ultrasound regulates the nervous system is still unclear. This article mainly explores the possible mechanisms of ultrasound’s mechanical effects, cavitation effects, thermal effects, and the rise of sonogenetics. In addition, the essence of action potential and its relationship with ultrasound were also discussed. Traditional theory treats nerve impulses as pure electrical signals, similar to cable theory. However, this theory cannot explain the phenomenon of inductance and cell membrane bulging out during the propagation of action potential. Therefore, the flexoelectric effect of cell membrane and soliton model reveal that action potential may also be a mechanical wave. Finally, we also elaborated the therapeutic effect of ultrasound on nervous system disease such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

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Acknowledgements

We wish to express our gratitude to all the individuals who participated in this study.

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  1. Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China

    Rui Feng, Hanqing Sheng & Yajun Lian

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  1. Rui Feng
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Rui Feng is the main author of this manuscript. Hanqing sheng is responsible for searching for relevant literature. Yajun lian revised the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Yajun Lian.

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Feng, R., Sheng, H. & Lian, Y. Advances in using ultrasound to regulate the nervous system. Neurol Sci (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-024-07426-7

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