Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for sensory electrical stimulation of the peripheral nervous system to improve human motor function and performance are described. Methods and devices may be used to enhance physical performance of athletes, professionals, and gamers or improve motor function (hand, finger and limb movement) in patients rehabilitating from neurological deficits and impairments caused by stroke, traumatic brain injury and other neurologic or non-neurologic conditions. These apparatuses and methods may be used for physical training and mental training (to improve memory and functional performance including motor coordination, limb-eye coordination, occupational and recreational skills) through periodic or sustained sensory electrical stimulation. Treatment plans may be based on biomarkers and may be used alone or in combination with other apparatuses.

Abstract: We describe a method for opening the blood-brain barrier (BBB) using ultrasound and preformed microbubbles. With this method, diagnostic or therapeutic agents may be administered to the brain. This method can open a focal region of the BBB and administer agents in a targeted fashion or the method can open large regions (or the entirety) of the brain for more global administration of agents. In one embodiment, the method can be used to administer contrast agents (e.g., agents that increase or decrease the magnetic resonance imaging signal) to the brain and thereby improve the quality or information content of imaging data. In another embodiment, a standard clinical diagnostic ultrasound scanner can be used to open specific regions of the BBB and administer diagnostic or therapeutic agents. Importantly, this invention can open the BBB in a non-destructive/non-invasive fashion, allowing the subject to be awake and suffer no detectable side effects.