Abstract
Spurred by patient interest, ALSUntangled herein examines the potential
of the Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS (TM)) in treating
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The PoNS (TM) device, FDA-approved
for the treatment of gait deficits in adult patients with multiple
sclerosis, utilizes translingual neurostimulation to stimulate
trigeminal and facial nerves via the tongue, aiming to induce
neuroplastic changes. While there are early, promising data for PoNS
treatment to improve gait and balance in multiple sclerosis, stroke, and
traumatic brain injury, no pre-clinical or clinical studies have been
performed in ALS. Although reasonably safe, high costs and prescription
requirements will limit PoNS accessibility. At this time, due to the
lack of ALS-relevant data, we cannot endorse the use of PoNS as an ALS
treatment.
