Publications: Publicity: WLOX-TV

CN-NINM and BrainPort™ - what is the difference?

A recent web story (which includes link to video) on WLOX-TV (8/25/08) featured a woman who volunteered as an experimental research subject at TCNL. In the story, the experimental technique was incorrectly described as "BrainPort." The technique used in this study was actually Cranial-Nerve Non-Invasive NeuroModulation. CN-NINM is an experimental method recently developed at TCNL to stimulate the brain to improve functional recovery from neurological injury or disease. BrainPort™, on the other hand, is a registered trademark of Wicab, Inc. for devices developed and marketed to treat balance and vision disorders, under license from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. (The core technology underlying BrainPort™ devices also originated at TCNL.) Although the two methods are similar in that both electrically stimulate the tongue, they are not the same. Neither the BrainPort™ Balance Device nor its essential functionality were used in the CN-NINM experiment reported in the story.

It is the opinion of TCNL staff that some of the beneficial effects of CN-NINM may be extended by using a BrainPort™ balance device, although this has not been formally evaluated and cannot be guaranteed. CN-NINM is an experimental technique and not for sale. BrainPort™ devicies are for sale in several countries, but not yet the USA. See our Wicab, Inc. page for further information on Wicab and BrainPort™.

Those wishing to support research (including CN-NINM) at TCNL may contribute to the TCNL Lab Fund at the University of Wisconsin-Foundation. This is separate from the Bacot McCarty Foundation referenced on the WLOX web story. Please contact Bacot-McCarty for details on that fund.