NCT07658365NARecruitingAccepts Healthy Volunteers

Olfactory Transcranial Focused Ultrasound

Medical University of South Carolina

Start Date

10/1/2026

Completion Date

4/30/2028

Summary

This study investigates the causal effects of low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) on odor valence perception and odor-elicited avoidance behaviors in healthy adults. Participants undergo sham and active tFUS targeting the amygdala (AMYG) and ventral striatal olfactory tubercle (VSOT) in a within-subject, randomized, sham-controlled crossover design. Outcomes include subjective odor ratings and objective neurophysiological and behavioral indices of odor valence processing. This research is exploratory and mechanistic in nature and is not intended to evaluate clinical safety or therapeutic efficacy.

Eligibility Criteria

Age Range: 18 years to 65 years

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-65 years * Healthy adult volunteers * Normal olfactory function (Sniffin' Sticks total TDI ≥ 30.75) * Ability to provide informed consent * English fluency sufficient for task completion Exclusion Criteria: * MRI or tFUS contraindications (e.g., metal implants, claustrophobia, pregnancy) * Sinonasal conditions affecting airflow or smell * Current use of medications that alter olfaction * Positive urine drug screen

Interventions

DEVICE

transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS)

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Conditions

HealthyOlfaction

Locations

Medical University of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina 29425

United States