About PoNS Therapy™

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, which may restore lost function. In conjunction with targeted therapeutic activities, 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.
• Gait in individuals with gait deficit due to mild to moderate symptoms of multiple sclerosis

¹Helius Medical Technologies. Data on File. 2019 Post Hoc Analysis – Long Term Treatment Trial – Responder rate – Pharma Data Associates ²Tyler M, et al. Arch Res Rehabil Clin Transl. 2019; 1(3-4):10026.

³Tyler ME, Kaczmarek KA, Rust KL, Subbotin AM, Skinner KL, Danilov YP. Non-invasive neuromodulation to improve gait in chronic multiple sclerosis: a randomized double-blind controlled pilot trial. J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2014;11:79. doi: 10.1186/1743-0003-11-79.

PoNS Therapy™ Overview

PoNS Therapy™ is a comprehensive 14-week program that combines in-clinic and in-home use of the PoNS™ device guided by a Certified PoNS™ Trainer.

Following your initial consultations, you will participate in a series of assessments to set a baseline, so you and your Certified PoNS™ Trainer can measure your progress throughout PoNS Therapy™.  Assessments may evaluate functions related to balance, gait, walking speed, dexterity, strength and mobility, as well as cognitive measures, sleep quality and headache incidence.  

Weeks One and Two: In-Clinic Appointments

For the first two weeks of treatment, you will work with your Certified PoNS™ Trainer one-on-one. Your Trainer will design a PoNS Therapy™ program tailored to your individual needs. Therapeutic activities with PoNS™ may include:

• Balance training
• Gait training
• Breathing and awareness 
• Other neuro-rehabilitative exercises

Weeks Three to Fourteen: In-Home Training Sessions

During weeks three to fourteen, you will continue with your customized program at home and schedule weekly clinic visits. Your Certified PoNS™ Trainer will monitor your progress and make further adjustments to your program as needed. 

• Additional progress assessments are completed after weeks four and eight.
• Upon completion of the fourteen-week PoNS Therapy™, you will undergo a final, comprehensive assessment and review your overall progress with your Certified PoNS™ Trainer.

The PoNS Therapy™ Approach

PoNS Therapy™ uses neuromodulation, the modification of nerve activity through delivery of a targeted stimulus. This may promote neuroplasticity – or the ability of the brain to make adaptive changes related to the structure and function of the nervous system. 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. 

More About Neuroplasticity: 

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s incredible ability to change. Over a lifetime, one’s brain constantly reorganizes itself to form new neural connections in response to changing needs. PoNS Therapy™ leverages this important healing process.

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™.

How do I get started with PoNS Therapy™?

FAQs

Thousands of Canadians live 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.

Can I use PoNS™ on my own?

PoNS Therapy™ is only offered at Authorized PoNS Therapy™ Clinics.  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 the PoNS Therapy™ cost?

PoNS Therapy™ is not currently covered by government insurance programs.   PoNS Therapy™ may be covered by personal insurance depending on individual plans.  Contact a clinic to ask about PoNS™ and the pricing and payment options available.

How long do patients undergo PoNS™ Therapy?

The PoNS Therapy™ is a comprehensive 14-week treatment program. During PoNS Therapy™, a Certified PoNS™ Trainer works with each patient using targeted therapeutic activities focusing on balance and gait.

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). 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. 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.

Use with caution

Electrical stimulation should only be used after seeking professional medical advice, and with caution in patients with any of the following:

• Implanted electronic devices, including cardiac pacemakers, cardioverter defibrillators, deep brain stimulators, vagal nerve stimulators, sacral nerve stimulators, and cochlear implants
• Metal in the mouth (e.g. piercings, braces, retainers, or other orthodontic appliance)
• Seizure disorders
• Epilepsy 

Who is the PoNS Therapy™ right for?

The PoNS™ device is intended for use as a short-term treatment (14 weeks) of: 

• Chronic balance deficit due to mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury (mmTBI) and is to be used in conjunction with physical therapy. 

• Gait deficit due to mild and moderate symptoms from MS and is to be used in conjunction with physical therapy.

It is indicated for individuals between 18 and 65 years of age. Set up a free consultation with us now to determine if PoNS™ is right for you.

PoNS Therapy™ Mechanism of Action

Book a free phone call with a team member

Learn more about PoNS Therapy™ at ponstherapy.ca