Electrotactile Stimulation of the Tongue: a New Option in the Rehabilitation of Postural Stability - a Case Report
Abstract
A completely new technique in the rehabilitation of patients suffering from balance disorders is the use of biological feedback by way of electrotactile stimulation - the BrainPort (R) system. Thanks to electrotactile stimulation of the tongue, the patient is informed of the actual position of his head.
The principle part of the equipment is an accelerometer, which transmits information concerning changes in head positions to electrical impulses, which the patient feels on their tongue. The technique is predominantly used in peripheral disorders of the labyrinth where satisfactory compensation has not been achieved with standard processes.
The technique is also promising in patients with central stability disorders. This paper demonstrates the promising effect of this rehabilitative approach in patients with palleocerebellar disorders.