WHAT IS PoNS™?
PoNS™ (short for Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator) is an innovative, non-surgical medical device that gently stimulates the surface of the tongue, exciting the neural network flowing to the brain. This neural activity is believed to enable neuroplasticity – the ability of the brain to make adaptive changes related to the structure and function of the nervous system – which may restore lost function.
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Used in conjunction with targeted therapeutic activities such as balance, gait and movement training, the PoNS™ has the potential to restore balance in individuals with chronic balance deficit due to a mild or moderate traumatic brain injury or concussion; and gait in individuals with gait deficit due to mild to moderate symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
WHO SHOULD USE PoNS THERAPY™?
Canadians living with persistent symptoms resulting from a mild or moderate traumatic brain injury or multiple sclerosis diagnosis. These individuals may notice a significant negative impact on their functional status, capacity to return to work and quality of life.
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The PoNS™ device is intended for use in conjunction with physical therapy as a short-term (14-week) treatment of:
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Chronic balance deficit due to mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury
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Gait deficit due to mild and moderate symptoms from MS
It is indicated for individuals between 18 and 65 years of age. Set up a free consultation with us now to determine if PoNS Therapy™ is right for you.
How Effective is PoNS Therapy™?
Injury or disease can damage or disrupt the connections in the brain. By supporting the brain’s ability to rebuild connections, it may be possible for the brain to compensate for the damage caused by injury or disease. While this process typically happens over a long period of time, it may be accelerated by neuromodulation techniques that utilize non-surgical devices, such as PoNS™.
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PoNS Therapy™ provides an innovative and effective therapy combining mild stimulation of the tongue with targeted therapeutic activities, which may create a neuroplastic effect that helps to improve balance and gait.
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Approximately 74% of the TBI patients who completed the 14 weeks of PoNS Therapy™ in the Long-Term Treatment Trial experienced significant improvement in their balance¹. Patients also showed meaningful improvements in their gait and walking endurance².
How Long Are PoNS Therapy™ Sessions?
PoNS Therapy™ is a 14-week intensive therapy program that combines in-clinic and in-home use of the PoNS™ device. The program is guided by one of our Certified PoNS™ Trainers, focusing on balance, gait and breathing awareness exercises.
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The schedule includes 3 sessions of either balance, gait, movement or breath work twice daily: 70 minutes in the morning and 70 minutes in the afternoon, plus an additional 20 minutes of breathing awareness training in the evening.
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The first 2 weeks are focused in clinic to tailor the program at which point the client works their program at home coming in clinic only once a week with reassessments at week 4, 8 and 14.
What Do I Bring To The First PoNS Therapy™ Session?
Please wear light, loose-fitting clothes that allow you to move comfortably. Remember to bring a water bottle if you have one.
Can I Use PoNS™ On My Own?
PoNS Therapy™ is only offered at Authorized PoNS Therapy™ Clinics like NeuroVision Clinic. These clinics are selected based on their experience treating neurologic symptoms such as balance and gait deficits. A Certified PoNS™ Trainer works with each patient according to their own specific needs and deficits during PoNS Therapy™.
How Much Does PoNS Therapy™ Cost?
Contact NeuroVision Clinic to ask about PoNS™ pricing and payment options available.
Does Insurance Cover PoNS Therapy™?
PoNS Therapy™ is not currently covered by government insurance programs. PoNS Therapy™ may be covered by personal insurance depending on individual plans.
Are There Any PoNS Device Contraindications Or Precautions?
The PoNS™ device delivers electrical stimulation directly to the surface of the tongue. Precautions for use are similar to those for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
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Electrical stimulation SHOULD NOT be used: if there is an active or suspected malignant tumor, in areas of recent bleeding or open wounds, or in areas that lack normal sensation.
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PoNS™ has not been tested on, and thus should not be used, by individuals under the age of 18 or who are pregnant. PoNS™ should not be used in patients sensitive to nickel, gold, or copper.
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Use with caution
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Electrical stimulation should only be used after seeking professional medical advice, and with caution in patients with any of the following:
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Implanted electronic devices, including cardiac pacemakers, cardioverter defibrillators, deep brain stimulators, vagal nerve stimulators, sacral nerve stimulators, and cochlear implants
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Metal in the mouth (e.g. piercings, braces, retainers, or other orthodontic appliance)
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Seizure disorders
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Epilepsy
Find PoNS Therapy™ Peer-Reviewed Publications here.