The Pons Device

I am very doubtful that I have any people who read this blog currently suffering from a tbi (traumatic brain injury). However, I was recently reading The Brain's Way of Healing itself by Dr Norman Doidge

In the book, he references a medical device used to reset your vestibular system (the way your brain interacts with your eyes and ears to balance yourself. This treatment is currently only authorized in the US when it is done by licensed professionals in a clinical environment. 

However, I found out that it is potentially available to me in Pamplona. If I qualify for the treatment that is. The way it works is, you insert the device into your mouth. Then, it sends painless electrical pulses to your brain thereby rewiring your vestibular system and by extension, your ability to balance yourself. 

I cannot wait to try this out and hopefully it will work out for me. I am ready to get my life back. Medical science is truly amazing. I have included all the details on the device below, on the off chance that it will be helpful to anyone else. 

PoNS Therapy (Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator) is available to patients in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. However, because it is an intensive 14-week protocol requiring specialized, prescription-only coordination between a certified clinician and the patient, local options generally fall into direct neurological clinics, manufacturer assistance, and alternative advanced neuromodulation facilities.

The primary pathways to access or evaluate PoNS Therapy and advanced neurorehabilitation in the DFW area include the following providers:

1. Direct Inquiry via Helius Medical Technologies (PoNS Manufacturer)

The most efficient, accurate way to pinpoint a certified physical therapist who can facilitate the daily PoNS therapeutic protocol is through the manufacturer's network. Helius officially designates the Dallas area as an active treatment zone.

 * **The Process:** They maintain a direct line for patient onboarding in North Texas. You or your doctor can call **1-877-564-0008** to find local physical therapy clinics currently certified to distribute the device and run the 14-week balance/gait rehabilitation routine.

2. PONS of Texas (Dallas Office)

A multidisciplinary practice dedicated to cutting-edge neurological, orthopedic, and spine care.

 * **The Approach:** PONS of Texas focuses heavily on traumatic brain injury (TBI) treatment, advanced cognitive therapy, and non-invasive neuromodulation. They provide integrated care models designed to restore mobility, making them a specialized local asset for investigating tongue-based and magnetic nerve stimulation therapies.

 * **Contact:** You can reach their local branch at **214-619-8755**.

3. Brain Treatment Center Dallas

For individuals seeking advanced, non-invasive brain injury recovery who want to explore all neuromodulation options alongside or instead of translingual (tongue) stimulation, this specialty facility is a highly regarded alternative.

 * **The Approach:** They focus on MeRT (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy), which uses customized quantitative EEGs to map the brain and gentle magnetic pulses (rTMS) to rebuild damaged or disrupted neural pathways. It is widely utilized off-label for traumatic brain injury and concussion recovery.

 * **Address:** 7001 Preston Rd #404, Dallas, TX 75205

### Key Requirements for DFW Patients

If you are pursuing PoNS specifically, keep the following prerequisites in mind:

 * **Prescription Required:** You cannot purchase the device directly. A neurologist, physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physician, or primary doctor must write a prescription.

 * **The "Adjunct" Factor:** In the United States, PoNS is explicitly indicated as an adjunct to a supervised therapeutic exercise program. You will spend the first two weeks heavily in-clinic with a DFW-based certified physical therapist to learn the breathing and balance tracking, before transitioning to a heavy at-home structure for the remaining 12 weeks.

The **PoNS device** (short for **Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator**) is an innovative, non-invasive medical device designed to help treat chronic balance and walking (gait) deficits. Manufactured by Helius Medical Technologies, it is used specifically as an add-on to intensive physical therapy.

Here is a breakdown of how it works, what it treats, and what the experience is like.

How It Works: Translingual Neurostimulation (TLNS)

The PoNS device works on the principle of **neuroplasticity**—the brain’s ability to rewire itself and form new neural pathways after an injury or illness. What makes the PoNS device unique is that it works through the **tongue**.

 

1. **The Setup:** The device consists of a controller worn around the neck and a T-shaped mouthpiece containing a matrix of tiny electrodes that rests on the top of the tongue.

 2. **Nerve Stimulation:** When turned on, the mouthpiece sends mild, painless electrical impulses to the tongue. This stimulates two major cranial nerves: the **trigeminal nerve** (CN V) and the **facial nerve** (CN VII).

 3. **Targeting the Brain:** These nerves send a rapid stream of signals directly into the brainstem and the cerebellum (the brain's movement control center).

 4. **The Physical Therapy Catalyst:** While the brain is being primed by these electrical signals, the patient performs targeted physical therapy exercises. The combination of the nerve stimulation and active physical movement helps the brain "rewire" around damaged areas, improving balance and gait.

 **What does it feel like?** Patients generally describe the electrical stimulation on the tongue as a tingling or buzzing sensation, often comparing it to the feeling of popping champagne bubbles or drinking a carbonated beverage.

What is it Used For?

The PoNS device is a **prescription-only** device intended for adults (typically 22 and older). It is approved for use alongside a supervised therapeutic exercise program to treat:

 * **Multiple Sclerosis (MS):** To improve walking impairments in patients with mild-to-moderate MS symptoms.

 * **Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):** To treat chronic balance deficits resulting from mild-to-moderate TBI or concussions.

 * **Stroke:** Used in some regions to help rehabilitate walking and movement impairments following a stroke.

 The PoNS Therapy Program

The PoNS device is not a standalone cure and is not meant to be used indefinitely. Instead, it is integrated into a strict, **14-week intensive rehabilitation program**:

 * **In-Clinic & At-Home:** The first few weeks usually involve heavily supervised sessions with a certified physical therapist. Once trained, the patient continues the exercises and device use at home.

 * **Daily Commitment:** A typical schedule requires two multi-exercise sessions per day (morning and afternoon) combining gait and balance training while wearing the device, followed by a shorter breathing/relaxation session in the evening.

 * **Progress Tracking:** The controller logs usage data, which physical therapists can review to track compliance and progress.

## Contraindications and Safety

Because it uses electrical currents, the PoNS device is not safe for everyone. It should **not** be used by individuals who:

 * Have active or suspected malignant tumors.

 * Have pacemakers or other implanted electronic devices.

 * Are pregnant.

 * Have open wounds, recent bleeding, or a lack of normal sensation in the mouth.

 * Have a known sensitivity or allergy to the metals used in the mouthpiece (such as copper, gold, or nickel).

Til next time, Tyler