Individuals who have had a mild or moderate traumatic brain injury (mmTBI), or concussion, may notice continued balance and gait problems.
Problems with balance and gait can stop you from moving through life with confidence. You may have trouble walking, feel unsteady, or be unable to do the activities that bring enjoyment to your life.
PoNS™ (short for Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator) is an innovative, non-surgical medical device that delivers mild electrical stimulation to the nerves on the surface of the tongue that connect with nerves in the brain. This stimulation, in conjunction with targeted therapeutic activities, has the potential to restore balance and gait in individuals with chronic balance deficit due to a mild or moderate Traumatic Brain Injury or concussion.
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 that 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.
For the first two weeks of therapy, you will work with your Certified PoNS Trainer™ one-on-one. Your Trainer will design a PoNS Thearpy™ program tailored to your individual needs. Therapeutic activities with PoNS™ may include:
At the end of your second week, an assessment is performed so that you and your Trainer can determine your progress during this intensive training period and make modifications to your program accordingly.
During weeks three to fourteen, you will continue with your customized program at home and schedule weekly clinic visits so that your Certified PoNS Trainer™ can monitor your progress and make further adjustments to your program as needed.
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.
Thousands of Canadians live with persistent symptoms resulting from a mild or moderate traumatic brain injury or concussion. These individuals may notice continued balance and gait problems and these deficits can have a significant negative impact on functional status, capacity to return to work, and quality of life.
One-on-One Support: This 14-week Therapy consists of one-on-one training with a Certified PoNS Trainer™ who helps you progress.
Scientific Evidence: PoNS Therapy™ is driven by published science and research with data demonstrating positive outcomes.
Quantified Assessments: Assessments document and quantify patient progress through the 14-week PoNS Therapy™ using objective measures, such as 6-Minute Walk Test and Dynamic Gait Index.
Exclusive Technology: PoNS Therapy™ is the first of its kind and is available only in Canada.
Accessible Treatment: We are currently offering PoNS Therapy™. Contact us now to find out if PoNS Therapy™ is right for you.
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 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.
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 Patient Assurance™ and the new pricing and payment options now available.
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.
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 tumour, 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.
Learn more about PoNS Therapy™ at ponstreatment.ca
Use with caution!
Electrical stimulation should only be used after seeking professional medical advice, and with caution in patients with any of the following:
