Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system.

It is characterized by inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers, leading to neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness. MS can also cause problems with balance, coordination, and gait, which can increase the risk of falls in patients. Current treatments for MS are aimed at slowing the progression of the disease and managing symptoms, but there is no cure.

Electrical Stimulation of the Tongue

Recent research has shown that electrical stimulation of the tongue can help improve balance in MS patients. This non-invasive technique involves applying a small electrical current to the surface of the tongue using a specialized device.

The electrical impulses stimulate the nerves that control the muscles of the tongue and the surrounding area, which can in turn improve the function of the vestibular system – the sensory system responsible for balance and spatial orientation.

The Vestibular System

The vestibular system is comprised of organs located in the inner ear that are responsible for sensing and processing information about head position, motion, and gravitational forces.

The system sends signals to the brain that help us maintain our balance and stabilize our vision while moving. In MS patients, damage to the myelin sheath can affect the function of the vestibular system, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, and problems with balance.

How Electric Stimulation Works

The technique of electrical stimulation of the tongue works by activating the trigeminal nerve, which is the largest cranial nerve and has branches that innervate the tongue and the face.

When a small electrical current is applied to the surface of the tongue, the nerve fibers are depolarized, leading to the release of neurotransmitters that can modulate the activity of the vestibular system. This can result in an improvement in balance and a decrease in symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo.

Research Studies

Several studies have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of electrical stimulation of the tongue in improving balance in MS patients.

One study published in the journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders in 2017 found that MS patients who received 12 weeks of tongue stimulation showed significant improvements in balance compared to a control group. The researchers used a device called the Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS) to deliver the electrical stimulation to the tongue.

Another study published in the Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation in 2019 also found that tongue stimulation improved balance in MS patients.

Advantages of Tongue Stimulation

One of the major advantages of electrical stimulation of the tongue is that it is a non-invasive technique that does not require surgery or medication. The PoNS device used in the studies is portable and can be easily used at home by patients.

It also has very few side effects, with the most common being mild tingling or discomfort in the tongue. Additionally, tongue stimulation has been shown to be effective in improving balance in other neurological conditions such as traumatic brain injury and stroke.

Conclusion

Electrical stimulation of the tongue is a promising technique for improving balance in MS patients.

Multiple studies have shown that this non-invasive technique can lead to significant improvements in balance and a decrease in symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo. The PoNS device used in the studies is portable and easy to use, making it a convenient option for patients. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanism of action of tongue stimulation and to optimize its effectiveness in MS treatment.