BrainPort Balance Device
- What is the BrainPort balance device?
- Who should use the BrainPort balance device?
- How does the BrainPort balance device work?
- Can electrical stimulation hurt my tongue?
- How can I obtain the BrainPort balance device?
What is the BrainPort balance device?
The BrainPort balance device is a non-surgical investigational device that provides information about your head/body position through gentle electrical stimulation of your tongue. Clinical studies are being conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of the BrainPort balance device. For information about clinical studies, please see Research
Who should use the BrainPort balance device?
Clinical Studies are being conducted with the BrainPort device for a variety of balance disorders including:
- Bilateral Vestibular Dysfunction
- Unilateral Vestibular Dysfunction
- Ototoxicity
- Balance deficits following Acoustic Neuroma resection/radiation
- Vestibular Migraine
- Stroke
- Brain Injury
How does the BrainPort balance device work?
The BrainPort device provides precise information about head/body position via electrotactile stimulation of your tongue. Electrotactile stimulation refers to controlled, gentle electrical impulses. These impulses provide sensory information about the position of your head/body. Impulses on the right side of your tongue mean you are leaning to the right; impulses on the left side of your tongue mean you are leaning to the left, etc. You use this information to help improve your balance and posture.
Can Electrical Stimulation Hurt My Tongue?
You can adjust the intensity of the stimulation to your comfort level. Patients have reported that the impulses feel like champagne bubbles on their tongue. The BrainPort balance device has been tested to applicable safety standards. In over five years of use, we have received no reports of injury to the tongue.
How can I obtain the BrainPort balance device?
The BrainPort balance device is not cleared by the FDA for sale or marketing in the US. The BrainPort balance device is undergoing clinical trials to investigate the safety and effectiveness for people with balance disorders. To learn how to participate in clinical research study with the BrainPort balance device, see Research Opportunities.
Ask your Doctor or Physical Therapist whether participating in a BrainPort balance device clinical trial is the right option for your balance problem. You can also contact Wicab. We will be delighted to speak with you.
To locate a clinic participating in a BrainPort balance device clinical study in your area, please see Clinical Sites.
The BrainPort balance device is an Investigational Device and its use remains limited by U.S. Federal Law to investigational uses only. The US FDA 510(k) PreMarket Notification for the BrainPort Balance device is currently pending. WICAB MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE DEVICE SAFETY OR EFFICACY.
