Abstract
Purpose: The number of years spent living with disability and the overall mortality for chronic neurological conditions is increasing worldwide. Cranial nerve non-invasive neuromodulation (CN-NINM) via translingual nerve stimulation (TLNS) is a new technology developed as an adjunct to neurological rehabilitation to improve outcomes for those with neurological conditions. This scoping review will explicate the evidence available for the use of TLNS in neurological populations in order to inform future research and healthcare policies.
Materials and Methods: Academic databases MEDLINE, AMED, CINAHL, Embase and Web of Science, and gray literature databases DuckDuckGo, ProQuest and Google were searched for studies published from 2000-2021. Two independent assessors screened the titles and abstracts and included full texts that met a-priori inclusion criteria. Data was extracted and the results were summarized in tables.
Results: Of the 11,799 articles retrieved from the primary search, 40 studies fulfilled inclusion criteria. The diagnostic groups who received therapy with TLNS included persons with traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and spinal cord injury. Most studies used the PoNS device in conjunction with a rehabilitation program to improve functional outcomes such as balance and gait. No serious adverse events were reported.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that TLNS is a feasible modality that can be incorporated into home-based programs. If paired with an individualized rehabilitation program, it has the potential to produce lasting neuroplastic change that improves balance and gait. However further research on which populations, including clinical indicators, is indicated for TLNS and the optimal parameters are required.
Keywords
Neurorehabilitation, Neuromodulation, Translingual Neurostimulation, PoNSTM Device, Cranial Nerve