The cash prize for determining sonication parameters in humans will be $25,000 if achieved before October 1, 2014 or $15,000 if achieved before January 1, 2015.It will be awarded to the first investigator to demonstrate a motor or sensory response to ultrasound focused on the thalamus without a significant increase in temperature at the target in a patient prior to thermal ablation for essential tremor, Parkinson's tremor, or neuropathic pain.
The neurological effect must be documented by an observer independent of the management of the patient and blinded as to when the sonication for neuromodulation is occurring. Parties interested in applying for this prize should contact Jessica Foley prior to patient treatment for further instructions.