Innovative Device Helps Stroke Survivor Regain Mobility

Quick Smiles:

• Mark Foster overcomes paralysis risk with breakthrough neurostimulation device.
• The PoNS device, worn on the tongue, accelerates progress in movement and speech recovery.
• Recent clinical trials and insurance approvals signal hope for others facing neurological challenges.

After a serious fall from a ten-foot ladder, Mark Foster of Ontario, Canada, faced the threat of permanent paralysis on his right side. Thanks to a remarkable device that delivers gentle electrical stimulation through the tongue, Mark is moving and speaking again, and feeling optimistic about returning to work.

With the help of conventional therapy and a portable neuro-modulation stimulator, or PoNS device, Mark’s rehabilitation accelerated beyond expectations. The current, managed via a neck collar, assists the brain in forming fresh pathways for movement and communication.

Mark was candid about his experience.

“I would say that it has helped an immense amount with confidence,” Foster told London Free Press. “It hasn’t been perfect, don’t get me wrong… but I’m having an easier time getting around.”

The PoNS device made a dramatic difference for Mark in just six months, surpassing the progress he made during four years of traditional therapy alone. His journey began after an unexpected fall at work in Paris, Canada, and was complicated by the discovery of a brain cavernoma and a subsequent stroke.

Swift brain surgery was necessary, erasing Mark’s initial recovery and leaving him searching for hope.

“It took a long time to go from absolutely nothing,” Foster said. “It broke my heart, but at the same time, it gave me a reason to kind of push myself trying to get back into the swing of things.”

The PoNS device, developed by Helius Medical Technology, was originally created for multiple sclerosis rehabilitation, and has now been proven beneficial for stroke patients through rigorous clinical trials. Over 100 participants enjoyed enhanced outcomes in mobility and balance during a placebo-controlled study.

Recent insurance approval by multiple providers, including CignaHealth, has made this life-changing technology more accessible. Emerging research is exploring similar devices for other conditions, fueling hope for even more people.

Stories like Mark’s shine a light on the relentless spirit of recovery and the promise of innovative medical technology. Share this inspiring update to bring hope and encouragement to others on similar journeys.

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