PoNS Therapy Information

PoNS®, short for Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator, is an innovative medical device. It is inclusive of a controller and mouthpiece, that delivers mild stimulation to the surface of the tongue. This stimulation triggers a flow of neural impulses to the brain structures that control balance and gait. PoNS is meant to be used in conjunction with supervised therapeutic activity, referred to as, PoNS Therapy®. Use of the device while engaging in movement and coordination tasks promotes neuromodulation, and consequently, neuroplasticity, activating brain pathways for a lasting improvement in balance and/or gait. PoNS is authorized in the United States as a short-term treatment of gait deficit due to mild-to-moderate symptoms from multiple sclerosis (“MS”) and is to be used as an adjunct to a supervised therapeutic exercise program in patients 22 years of age and over by prescription only. PoNS is authorized in Canada for three indications: (i) 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; and (ii) for use as a short-term treatment (14 weeks) of gait deficit due to mild and moderate symptoms from MS and is to be used in conjunction with physical therapy; and (iii) for use as a short-term treatment (14 weeks) of gait deficit due to mild and moderate symptoms from stroke, to be used in conjunction with physical therapy. PoNS is authorized in Australia for short term use by healthcare professionals as an adjunct to a therapeutic exercise program to improve balance and gait.