I’m trying out the BrainPort for a month.
I got the BrainPort today, and I’m going to be trying it out for a month. Basically the BrainPort is a plastic box, just a bit bigger than the size of my hand, that has a cord attached to it on one end, which goes around your neck (leaving the BrainPort to hang and rest on your chest).
It has a long, flexible plastic protrubance on the other end with a square, gold-coloured set of electrodes at the end, which rest on your tongue. The front of the box has a button and a dial on it, which turn the device on and off, as well as regulate the level of electricity that flows from the electrodes to your tongue.
I’ve been instructed to use the BrainPort for 20 minutes twice a day, which I have to do in a ‘challenging balance position’ — which for me is standing heel to toe (like a tight-rope walker). It’s really hard on the legs and feet though, because you spend the 20 minutes swaying back and forth trying to keep your balance.
When using the BrainPort, it gives your tongue a little shock (nothing serious, it’s certainly not painful in any way) when you go off-centre. It’s supposed to somehow condition your tongue to understanding where your head is at in space. I’m going to try it out for the whole month, and I’ll report back on how it goes as the month progresses. I hope it works.
4 Comments, Comment or Ping
Dizzy Dame
I look forward to reading more about the outcome. (It sounds like an awkward device, though.)
Sep 13th, 2008
Vertigo Guy
It certainly is awkward. And it’s hard for me to stand there with my eyes closed for 20 minutes (as I don’t exactly have the greatest attention span in the world).
Sep 22nd, 2008
Greg
Any updates on how the device is working for you?
Jan 11th, 2009
Vertigo Guy
To be blunt Greg, it wasn’t working at all. I noticed pretty much no difference using the device, and actually found it was just kind of a pain to use. Of course, my results are subjective, and results (in terms of any treatment) can vary greatly from person to person.
I’ve went the medication route, and I’ve been trying a bunch of different meds, none of which really seem to have much effect. It’s been pretty difficult to deal with lately, since I’ve tried so many things and nothing has really helped. I’ve had more testing done, and I’m still waiting to hear back on the results of those tests, but I’m not sure where to go from here.
I’m not really familiar with your condition… could you describe what sorts of symptoms you feel (i.e. is it a falling feeling or rocking or swaying?).
Jan 11th, 2009
Reply to “I’m trying out the BrainPort for a month.”