Traumatic Brain Injury Patients May Benefit From PoNS Neurostimulation
Jun 3, 2021
Brooks Schuelke, Esq.
Schuelke Law PLLC
Austin, TX (Law Firm Newswire)June 3, 2021 – Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) often affect a person’s balance, among other issues. Although deep brain stimulation and implantable devices are available to help, the process is invasive. However, the latest device, the Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS), from Helius Medical Technologies may offer a solution.
Helius Medical Technologies has a new portable product that stimulates the brain via the tongue. It was granted marketing clearance in the United States to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with trouble walking. The company says there are other uses for this technology, and one of them is for treating TBIs.
The device’s mouthpiece connects via a cord to a controller around the patient’s neck. It sends signals to the mouthpiece on top of the tongue, a conductive area for electric stimulation, due to the density of receptors. The neural impulses sent to the brain stimulate the facial and trigeminal nerves.
Clinical trials showed improvement in the test group that received the actual device compared to a blind group that received a sham device and no stimulation.
“Of significant interest to those working with patients with TBI is a marketing authorization in Canada that provided clearance for the PoNS in 2018 to treat balance issues caused by mild-to-moderate TBI,” said Brooks Schuelke, an Austin TBI attorney. Canadian regulators approved PoNS for treating walking problems in MS patients in 2020.
Helius Medical Technologies will now design another clinical trial involving TBI patients and then reapply to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to expand the types of clients served with this latest technology.
Helius designed a new clinical trial to enroll more than 100 participants in the U.S. and Canada with balance problems due to mild-to-moderate TBI. Another challenge for the new device may be treating patients who have been dealing with Parkinson’s disease, stroke and cerebral palsy.
“For individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury in a car accident or at a sporting event, it’s best to discuss your case with an experienced TBI attorney to understand your legal rights and how your case may proceed if you choose to file a claim,” Schuelke added.
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