Traditional Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery requires drilling holes in the patient's skull, precisely implanting electrodes into specific nuclei deep within the brain, and implanting a pulse generator under the chest wall. Since the 1990s, it has been an important treatment for conditions such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
In 2026, two non-invasive deep brain stimulation technologies — Temporal Interference Stimulation (TIS) and MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound (FUS) — are moving from the laboratory to the clinic.
The Principle of Temporal Interference Stimulation (TIS)
Multiple pairs of high-frequency electrodes are placed on the scalp, emitting alternating electric fields slightly above 1 kHz. When applied individually, these high-frequency fields do not affect superficial brain tissue. However, when these fields intersect deep within the brain, their frequency difference (10-40 Hz) generates a low-frequency signal that selectively stimulates deep brain structures — this is the "virtual electrode" effect.
A forward-looking paper published in Nature Biomedical Engineering in May 2026 explored the potential application of TIS for neuromodulation of deep brain structures in humans.
Focused Ultrasound (FUS)
FUS utilizes hundreds of low-intensity ultrasound beams focused on deep brain regions. The FDA has approved FUS for essential tremor (2024) and for motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (2025). In April 2026, Johns Hopkins Hospital began offering MRI-guided FUS treatments.
Comparing the Two Technical Routes
TIS is reversible and adjustable, making it suitable for diseases requiring ongoing treatment adjustments. FUS is irreversible but extremely precise (error < 1mm), making it ideal for conditions with well-defined localized lesions. Low-intensity FUS is opening a third pathway.
As of mid-2026, there are over 40 active clinical trials worldwide evaluating non-invasive deep brain stimulation technologies, with 60% focused on movement disorders and 25% targeting psychiatric conditions. In China, Huashan Hospital has launched a TIS study for treatment-resistant depression, with HAM-D scores decreasing by an average of 45%.
Industry Investment
Israel's NeuroTIS completed a million Series B financing round. The United States' DeepSONIC received FDA Breakthrough Device designation. Traditional industry giants Medtronic and Boston Scientific are also positioning themselves in this space.
Observatory Analysis
The shift from "craniotomy and implantation" to "non-invasive modulation" not only reduces treatment risks but also dramatically expands the range of eligible indications. Personalized neuromodulation combining fMRI and EEG could become the standard treatment pathway for neuropsychiatric diseases in the future.
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