The Volunteer Centre: Frequently Asked Questions

Ultrasound brain stimulation uses sound waves to change temporarily how certain area of the brain works. 

A transducer (much like an ultrasound probe used during pregnancy although with a different shape) is positioned over the scalp, making contact with the head with gel. Indeed, before positioning the transducer, we will need to apply some gel to your scalp to allow good contact. We will do this with care, through the hair. Once the transducer is positioned correctly, pulses of ultrasounds are used to stimulate the brain. 

These are low-frequency sound waves which are sent through the transducer through the skull into the brain at a very precise level (as small as one millimeter) – like a magnifying glass that focuses sunlight into a specific area, increasing the energy in that area.

Ultrasound brain stimulation is non-invasive and reversable. It is regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration, ITRUSST (the international consortium working together towards the safe and effective application of transcranial focused ultrasound for neuromodulation) and there are safety limits for exposure. In four decades that it has been in use, diagnostic ultrasound has produced no harm to participants. In more than ten years that TUS has been used in humans, it has proven to be safe.

Ultrasound brain stimulation has been shown to be safe and with no or very limited side effects. However, because it requires to first go to the scanner to get a picture of your skull, it may not be suitable for everybody. Because of this, you will be asked pre-screening safety questions to help determine if you can take part.

An MRI is a common technique used to take pictures of inside the body and involves lying within a strong magnetic field. Cells in the body react differently to magnetic fields and by measuring their reactions we can build up a picture of the structure and functioning of your brain. 

MRI does not involve exposure to radiation (as is used for example with X-rays). 

We will ask you to lie on a table inside the MRI scanner for about 40 minutes. For most of this time you will lie still and either rest, look at pictures on a screen, or complete a task using a response button. The task will be explained to you before going into the scanner. 

The scanner is very noisy so we will give you ear plugs to reduce this noise and a blanket to keep you warm. All scans will be conducted by the research team and a radiographer at BRIC, the Brain Research & Imaging Centre. 

MRI is safe and non-invasive. However, because it uses a large magnet to work, MRI scans are not suitable for everybody. Because of this, you will be asked pre-screening safety questions to help determine if you can take part. 

All research studies take place in The Brain Stimulation Laboratory which is based at:

Each session lasts up to two hours and there are four sessions over ten weeks. Questionnaires need to be completed in the first session, and then one to two weeks after each session (online or in the sessions themselves). 

The first session includes a questionnaire and an MRI scan.

Sessions two, three, and four include a questionnaire, an MRI scan and a brain ultrasound.

Each session lasts up to two hours and there will be multiple sessions over several weeks depending on the study. Questionnaires may need to be completed in the first session, and then one to two weeks after each session (online or in the sessions themselves). 

The first session includes a questionnaire and an MRI scan.

The following sessions include a questionnaire, an MRI scan and a brain ultrasound stimulation intervention.

The study is led by Dr Elsa Fouragnan, Associate Professor in Neuroscience at the University of Plymouth. Her team includes post-doctoral researcher fellows and research assistants: Ema Darrieutort, Rimsha Mahrukh and Suraya Dunsford.

You do not need to stop drinking to participate in the study. However, we do ask that you do not have a drink less than 12 hours before you attend a session with us. We will have a breathalyser to make sure you are under the driving safety limits.

Yes, all data is stored without any personal details, and fully anonymised.

No, you will be attending the sessions individually and not with other study participants. You are able to bring along a carer or support person with you to your sessions if you prefer. This should be arranged with the research team in advance.

If you have any problems during the study, you can contact Suraya Dunsford.

For the alcohol use disorder study, you can also email: AUDstudy@plymouth.ac.uk

As a participant in a research study, travel expenses can be covered for travel to and from The Brain Stimulation Laboratory. Receipts for all travel will need to be supplied. How expenses are paid to you and the amount of expenses covered will depend on the study you are participating in.

You will receive your Amazon voucher upon completion of all the sessions.

Participation in any research study is voluntary. If you do not wish to take part, you are not obliged to. If you decide to take part and later change your mind, you are free to withdraw from the study at any stage and for any reason – you will not be required to give a reason. Before you decide to participate, a member of the research team will be available to answer any questions you might have about the study.

We recruit volunteers all year round. You will first need to complete an eligibility questionnaire, and then undertake a short additional screening check with one of the team over the phone.