PoNS Therapy
What is PoNS™?
The PoNS™ (Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator) device is an innovative, non-surgical device that delivers gentle stimulation to the surface of the tongue to help enhance neuroplasticity for treatment of balance and gait deficits. The PoNS™ is a neuromodulation therapy that uses electrical stimulation delivered through the tongue to activate new pathways in the brain. It works to "reset" neurons in the brain that are misfiring. Brain injury disrupts connections in the brain and neuromodulation devices such as the PoNS™ can help new connections to form and help to heal connections that are damaged. The end-result can be significant changes to improved overall balance and improved walking ability. The PoNS™ is made up of a mouthpiece and a controller. The mouthpiece is worn during performance of targeted balance, gait, motor control, and breathing awareness training exercises. It is currently indicated for use in the U.S for patients with multiple sclerosis and it is currently being reviewed by the FDA for use with patients who have balance and walking difficulty due to a stroke. In Canada, it is indicated for use for gait and imbalance deficits related to multiple sclerosis, post-stroke, and traumatic brain injury.
Who can use PoNS™?
PoNS™ can be used by anyone with multiple sclerosis experiencing balance and gait deficits, however, it is best indicated for patients with mild to moderate symtpoms from MS. PoNS™ can also be used off-label to treat imbalance and walking difficulty for a variety of other diagnoses including TBI and post-stroke.
PoNS™ Therapy Overview
The PoNS™ is a neuromodulation therapy that uses electrical stimulation delivered through the tongue to activate new pathways in the brain. It works to "reset" neurons in the brain that are misfiring. Brain injury disrupts connections in the brain and neuromodulation devices such as the PoNS™ can help new connections to form and help to heal connections that are damaged. The end-result can be significant changes to improved overall balance and improved walking ability. PoNS Therapy is a 14-week program that combines use of the PoNS device in conjunction with an individualized exercise program. While the exercises are adapted to reflect the ability of the patient, all PoNS therapy include balance exercises, walking, motor control exercises, and breathing. The exercise program is rigorous and is made up of both at-home and in-clinic treatment sessions for a total of about 100 minutes of exericse per day, 6 days per week for 14 weeks. PoNS™ is used in conjunction with targeted, individualized exercises for balance, motor control, gait, and breathing. During the 14-week PoNS™ program, you will work closely with a PoNS™ trainer who will progress your exercises based on your progress.
What Can I Expect During PoNS™ Therapy?
PoNS™ Therapy is a 14-week physical therapy program that combines in-clinic and in-home use of the PoNS™ device paired with targeted balance, gait, motor control, and breathing exercises. The program requires 100 minutes of exercise daily with use of the PoNS™ device. Exercise sessions are divided up into morning, afternoon, and evening exercises. You will work closely with your PoNS™ trainer to develop and progress exercises throughout the course of the 14 week session. During your initial evaluation, your PoNS™ Trainer will speak to you about your goals and perform a battery of balance and gait tests with you to determine your baseline level of ability. Following your initial evaluation, all remaining sessions will incorporate use of the PoNS™ device and will be developed to appropriately challenge your body and brain.
Is PoNS™ Therapy Effective?
PoNS™ Therapy has been proven to be effective in improving both balance and walking ability in people with various neurological diseases including multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and stroke. Although it is currently only approved for use with MS in the United States, it is approved for use in MS, stroke, and traumatic brain injury in Canada and Australia and is currently being reviewed by the FDA for approval for use following stroke in the U.S.
How Can I Find a PoNS™ Trainer?
PoNS™ Trainers are physical therapists who specialize in treating patients with neurological diagonses and who undergo specialized training in use of the PoNS™ device. You can find a PoNS™ Trainer in your area by searching on the PoNS™ website.