The Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS) for neurorehabilitation

Abstract

The Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS) is a compact, self-contained device that delivers a fixed sequence of dc-balanced voltage pulses to the anterior-dorsal tongue through a matrix of 143 gold-plated electrodes. This form of stimulation is being investigated as a possible aid to rehabilitation of motor, cognitive, and emotional symptoms resulting from a range of neurological disorders of traumatic, degenerative, or developmental origin. This article provides a technical overview of the PoNS device as well as a summary of applications research to date.