The history of focused ultrasound is a parallel history of neuroradiology, functional neurosurgery, and physics and engineering. Multiple pioneers collaborated as ultrasound transitioned from a wartime technology to a therapeutic one, particularly in using it to ablate the brain to treat movement disorders. Several competing technologies ensured that this "ultrasonic neurosurgery" remained in a lull. An algorithm and other advancements that obviated a craniectomy for ultrasonic neurosurgery allowed magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound to flourish to its modern phase.
Keywords: Focused ultrasound; Functional neurosurgery; Pallidotomy; Thalamotomy.
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