Optimizing transcranial pulse stimulation for neuropathic pain: a computational planning approach

Abstract

Treball de Fi de Grau en Enginyeria Biomèdica. Curs 2024-2025 Tutor: Dr. Antoni Ivorra

Transcranial Pulsed Stimulation (TPS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that uses focused ultrashort ultrasound pulses to stimulate specific regions of the brain. By delivering controlled acoustic pulses through the skull, TPS enables targeted stimulation with high spatial precision, while minimizing discomfort and side effects. This thesis explores the optimization of TPS therapy for treating neuropathic pain, a chronic and debilitating condition caused by abnormal nervous system activity. Traditional treatments, such as medication or invasive interventions, often yield limited results or pose significant risks. In contrast, TPS offers a non-invasive alternative by targeting, in this case, the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), a region involved in the emotional processing of pain. By modulating this area, TPS has the potential to alleviate the affective component of pain and serve as a predictor for the success of more invasive treatments, such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). However, current TPS procedures rely primarily on visual positioning of the transducer, without assessing whether the ultrasound energy is optimally delivered to the target area. This thesis addresses that limitation by proposing a computational method to optimize the transducer’s placement using patient-specific CT data. Heuristic metrics are used to quickly evaluate potential stimulation paths, while high-resolution simulations validate the best candidates.