When balance, walking or dizziness has stalled with exercise alone, TLNS adds gentle stimulation through the tongue while you practice. Every session is set by your exam.
Overview
Some rehab goals stall. Your balance is better but not steady, walking still takes effort, or dizziness returns no matter how many exercises you do.
TransLingual NeuroStimulation, or TLNS, adds a steady stream of sensory input while you practice. A small applicator rests on your tongue and sends gentle pulses as you work on balance, movement or visual tasks.
It is one of the tools used in the neuro rehabilitation programs at our center, always alongside exercise.
What it is
TransLingual NeuroStimulation (TLNS) is a non-invasive therapy that sends gentle electrical pulses through a small applicator on the tongue. The tongue's nerves connect to the brainstem, so the stimulation adds sensory input while you practice balance, movement or thinking exercises chosen from your exam.
Your exam picks the skills to train, such as balance or walking.
The applicator rests on your tongue and delivers gentle pulses.
You practice those skills during or right after stimulation.
The re-check
We track your balance, walking and symptom scores as you go. If they stop improving, we change the plan or tell you TLNS is not the right tool.
The tongue is packed with sensory nerve endings. Through the trigeminal and facial nerves, they connect to the brainstem, which helps control balance and movement.
Stimulating those pathways while you practice a skill is meant to support neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to adapt through repeated, focused activity.
Conditions
We consider TLNS when your exam shows a balance, movement or sensory problem that exercise alone has not moved. These are the conditions where it most often fits.
For people working to regain balance, coordination, and movement after a head injury, often in coordination with their medical providers, TLNS can be paired with guided balance and movement work. Read about recovering balance after a traumatic brain injury.
For people working to regain balance, coordination, and movement after a stroke, often in coordination with their medical providers, TLNS may be combined with task practice once you are medically stable. Learn about post-stroke care for walking and balance.
Vertigo has several causes, so evaluation comes first. When your findings fit, TLNS is paired with vestibular exercises. See dizziness and vertigo care.
TLNS may be one part of the sensory work for migraines with dizziness or motion sensitivity.
TLNS may be considered within a vestibular program for the lingering sway of MdDS.
Why here
Stimulation goes through the surface of the tongue. There is no surgery, no injection and no implant.
TLNS is used during active exercise, never as a stand-alone device session, so every minute works on a skill you need.
Intensity, timing and exercises change with your comfort, your scores and how you respond.
Other options
TLNS is not the only route. Physical, occupational or vestibular therapy helps many people, and for some it is enough. We suggest TLNS when your exam shows a balance or movement problem that has stalled with exercise alone.
Is it for you
If the second list applies, we check with your physician before any session.
Your visits
A complimentary call about your symptoms and goals.
About 90 minutes, plus data and history gathering. We check balance, walking, coordination and eye movement.
The applicator rests on your tongue while you complete balance, movement or visual exercises. Most people describe a mild tingling.
We review your scores and symptoms, then adjust the stimulation, the exercises or the plan.
Cost
Cost depends on your exam findings and how many TLNS sessions your plan includes. We explain it before you start.
What your cost depends on
Booking policies
The clinic
Dr. Jeff McWhorter, D.C., a chiropractor whose practice focuses on functional neurology, uses TLNS as one piece of a measured plan, never as a device you sit with on its own. Each session is built around the exercises your exam calls for, and we re-test as you go.
TLNS is part of the brain and body rehabilitation at our Rancho Santa Fe center. Book an exam to find out whether it fits your goals, and we will tell you plainly if it is not helping.
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Visit
TLNS sessions take place at our Rancho Santa Fe office: 18029 Calle Ambiente, Suite 507, in Cielo Village. We are about two miles from Lake Hodges, and patients come from across San Diego County and beyond.
The first step
No. There is no surgery, injection or implant. A small applicator on the tongue sends gentle pulses, and most people feel a mild tingling.
It varies, because TLNS is paired with exercises or another service. After your exam, we explain the stimulation time and how each session is structured.
We go over cost and payment options on your intro call, before you book an exam. Your total depends on your plan.
PoNS is the FDA-authorized brand of tongue stimulator, for walking problems from MS and chronic stroke. At your exam we explain the device we use and its status for your condition.
It does not replace medical care for the underlying condition, and it only works as part of active exercise. If you cannot exercise yet, we wait or suggest other options.
Journal
Start with a complimentary 15-minute call with our team.
