Cognitive enhancement exciting discovery using trans-lingual neuro-stimulation

Abstract

The primary subject matter of this case concerns a new approach to neurorehabilitation using trans-lingual neuro-stimulation (TLNS) Technology. Secondary issues examined include the recovery and enhancement of cognitive functioning in a subject with chronic stroke. The case has a difficulty level of four, appropriate for senior level courses who have already covered the topics of neurorehabilitation and neuroplasticity. The case is designed to be taught in one class hour and is expected to require zero hours of outside preparation by students, aside from foundational knowledge of neurorehabilitation techniques and neuroplasticity mechanisms. Case Synopse Cognitive impairment is a typical consequence of many neurological disorders. It is generally accepted that most improvement for an individual affected by stroke occurs within the first year following the stroke. However, our research shows that it is possible to rehabilitate chronic deficits that result from stroke. TLNS Technology uses a combination of targeted physical exercises and guided meditation with electrotactile stimulation to the tongue with a PoNS TM device. The TCNL completed a 15-month intervention for an 80-year-old woman, 4 years after her stroke. Cognitive improvement was measured using the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) and Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). The "Memory and Thinking" domain on the SIS demonstrated a 47.3% improvement from baseline. All components of the RBANS improved as a result of the intervention as well, ranging from 10% to 42% improvement from baseline. Recovery demonstrated TLNS stimulation dependence, such that performance across all parameters improved in the first seven months of the intervention, declined during the withdrawal period, and improved again when the intervention was reinstated. We hypothesize that the beneficial effects observed in this case study result from lasting and cumulative neuroplastic changes (functional, synaptic and neuronal) in the brainstem and cerebellum on the cellular and neural network levels, elicited by powerful flow of neural impulses (spikes) from the tongue. This case demonstrates that TLNS balance and gait training can be used to recover and improve cognitive functioning in individuals with chronic stroke. These findings present a new non-invasive brain stimulation technique with applications in cognitive and rehabilitative neurosciences. Additional research is necessary to understand the potential mechanisms of this phenomenon and optimize efficiency of the intervention. Case Body Purpose Trans-lingual neuro-stimulation (TLNS) Technology combines pulsed electrical stimulation of the tongue with specially-designed sensory-motor conditioning exercises to effect rehabilitation of balance, posture, and gait symptoms resulting from neurological disorders. The goal of this research was to investigate how neurostimulation can facilitate physiotherapy in the rehabilitation of chronic stroke symptoms. It is important to note that no special cognitive training was applied in this study.