Translingual Neural Stimulation With the Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS®) Induces Structural Changes Leading to Functional Recovery In Patients With Mild-To-Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) of varying severity can result in balance and movement disorders, for which the benefits of treatment with physical therapy has limits. In this study, patients with post-TBI balance issues received translingual neural stimulation (TLNS) in concert with physical therapy and the effects on the grey matter volume (GMV) were evaluated. TBI-related balance and movement impairments were also assessed through Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) scoring. When comparing pre- and post-intervention results, the most prominent GMV changes were increases within the cerebellum, and temporal regions, which are involved in automatic processing of gait, balance, motor control, and visual-motion. Decreases of GMV in frontal, occipital lobes (involved in less automatic processing or more conscious/effortful processing of gait, balance, motor control, and vision) positively correlated to increases in SOT/DGI scores. These results indicate that TLNS can produce brain plasticity changes leading to positive changes in functional assessments. Overall, these data indicate that TLNS delivered in conjunction with physical therapy, is a safe, effective, and integrative way to treat TBI.