🚨 Update on the PoNS Device for Stroke Rehab in the UK & Europe🚨You may have heard about the PoNS (Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator) device, which uses gentle tongue stimulation combined with physio to help with neurological conditions?
While it's authorised in Canada for treating stroke-related walking impairments, and the manufacturer recently submitted for FDA approval for stroke in the US, the situation for the UK and Europe is different.
As of late 2025, the PoNS device is not commercially available in the UK or the EU. It is considered an 'investigational medical device' in Europe, meaning it is still under review by regulatory bodies.
A Europe-wide rollout was previously discussed, but its manufacturer, Helius Medical Technologies, announced in September 2025 that it was rebranding and pivoting its focus to the cryptocurrency Solana! Oh well..
This change in business strategy suggests that the device's availability in Europe is now uncertain. So for now, PoNS therapy is not an option for stroke rehab in the UK and Europe.
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Stroke is the commonest cause of physical disability in the world and although there are many excellent services to help stroke survivors, there is no doubt that the continuation of practice and exercise programmes is invaluable in enhancing recovery.
This is important because neuroimaging studies tell us that the brain is a plastic organ. In other words the brain’s structure, the way it is organised, and the way it functions can be influenced by practice and learning. This is the basis for at least some of the recovery that occurs after stroke. A major problem often encountered is that stroke survivors are not sure what exercises they can usefully or safely perform.
The secret is that ‘re-training’ rather than ‘therapy’ is the zone you need to think about now.
Did you know that what we call ‘task-oriented’ exercise programmes are the most promising? If not, you’ll get to love the effects of task-related training IF YOU CAN PROVIDE ENOUGH DOSAGE. By this I mean ‘time on task’… targeted repetition… drives plastic change by strengthening connections. Each rep you do counts.
Enhancing upper limb function is often an essential component of rehabilitation. Weakness in upper-limb could impair stabilisation of proximal arm segments, limit reaching ability, confine hand usage, and affect upper-limb control and coordination. These affect the use of the weaker upper limb in daily activities, supporting the importance of paretic upper-limb strength.
Low grip strength in the stroke population can be corrected via strength training since grip strength is a predictor of disability and mortality in older adults. This is why ARNI has, since inception, concentrated on task-training, strength training and the appropriate development of physical coping skills.
The evidence base supports these 3components that form of backbone of ARNI type training over all others – principles which training can be based around.
. It’s the best time in history to be a stroke survivor!
www.arni.uk.com
#neuroplasticity #strokeexercise #strokerehabilitation #neurorehab #ARNIstrokerehab #strokerecovery
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THE LATEST STROKE RECOVERY NEWS INCL. How NHS pilot sites are revolutionising stroke rehab in the community -
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Interesting new research is shedding light on the link between genetics and health, with a recent meta-analysis published in Neurology finding an association between certain blood types and the risk of an early-onset stroke. 🧠🔬
Specifically, the study revealed that individuals with the A1 subgroup of blood type A have a 16% higher risk of experiencing a stroke before age 60 compared to people with other blood types. 📊
On the flip side, those with blood type O appeared to have a slightly lower risk. 📉
While this is a fascinating discovery, it's crucial to remember that the increased risk is still modest, and lifestyle factors like managing blood pressure and staying active have a much greater impact on overall stroke risk. 💖
This research offers a new piece of the puzzle into early-onset stroke, a condition that is less understood than late-onset stroke, but is not a cause for alarm for individuals with type A blood. 🩺
More research is needed to fully understand the biological mechanisms, but this is a promising step forward in identifying potential risk factors
www.arni.uk#ARNIstrokerehabr#neurosciencei#StrokeResearche#bloodtyped#academicresearche#earlyonsetstroket#neurologyo#ScienceBreakthroughsoughs
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🧠 Every Second Counts! ⏳ A vital new national campaign by the HSE has just launched in Ireland, urging quick action if a stroke is suspected. 🚨
We know that over 7,500 people experience a stroke each year in Ireland, and far too many are not reaching hospital within the critical three-hour window. This needs to change, and this new campaign, developed with stroke survivors and community groups, is here to make a real difference. 💪 The message is simple and powerful: the second you spot a stroke, is the second you dial 999 or 112. 📞
Professor Rónán Collins, HSE National Clinical Lead for Stroke, highlights that while previous FAST campaigns boosted awareness, hesitation is still a factor. 😟 The new campaign is designed to close that gap and ensure immediate action. 🏃♀️
Siobhán McGrath, a stroke survivor herself, shared how she didn't act FAST enough and how it delayed her recovery. Her story is a powerful reminder of why we all need to act immediately when we spot the signs. 🙏🕰️ Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, emphasises that early treatment is key to effective outcomes. 🎯
Progress is also being made in early stroke rehabilitation with the expansion of Early Supported Discharge (ESD) teams: 🏡 The programme is expanding rapidly, with plans for more teams by the end of 2025. 📈
This investment is part of over €13 million being put into the National Stroke Strategy since 2022. 💖 This means better care for more people, enabling them to reach their full potential after a stroke. It's a huge step forward in future-proofing Ireland's stroke services. 🙌
w#ARNIstrokerehabA#EverySecondCountse#fasto#strokeawarenessS#HSEe#earlyrehabH#ESDE#strokesurvivor##ActFastr#brainhealthS#irelandH#arnistrokerehabilitioninstructortrainingtructortraining
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A recent review of Had a Stroke? Now What? book by Tom Balchin.
5.0 out of 5 stars Essential guidebook for stroke survivors and their families
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 September 2024
I really enjoyed studying "Had a stroke? Now what?" as it's an informative and easy to read book, packed with practical information for those who suffered stroke and those who care for them. The author, being a stroke survivor himself, shares his practical experience on how to get better and push forward in recovery. His knowledge and humour are infectious which puts recovery from stroke in a much brighter light.
Everyone can benefit from reading this book:
- Stroke survivors will find lots of practical techniques well illustrated and thoroughly explained on how to exercise, manage problems after stroke, find hope and light in the new situation. Coping strategies and advice on practical aids which ones work and which don't is an absolute must-read!
- families and friends will find out about different aspects of stroke and struggles of their loved one and how to go around them, help and get helped which is so important;
- professionals or stroke students like myself will gain wide knowledge and confidence in the area of stroke and how to best help the patient following tips and techniques presented in the book.
It's a fantastic book that will guide you through practical rehabilitation and beyond. I highly recommend it.
There is hope for those who suffer!
Have you got your copy yet??
www.strokesolutions.co.uk/product/had-a-stroke-now-what-book/
#strokerecoveryexercises #strokeexercise #neuroplasticity #strokerehab #strokerehabilitation #strokerecovery #neurorehab #exerciseafterstroke
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🚨 A groundbreaking new study, published a few days ago, is changing the way we think about stroke prevention🤯 Research shows that almost everyone who has a stroke has high blood pressure warning signs YEARS before the event occurs. It turns out that a stroke doesn't just happen out of the blue. 🧐
This landmark research, which looked at millions of health records, found that high blood pressure was by far the most common risk factor detected long before the first cardiac event. 🩸
This means there are huge opportunities for early intervention; by regularly monitoring our blood pressure, we can take proactive steps with our doctor to manage our health and significantly lower our risk. 🩺
ARNI Stroke Rehab UK Charity gives a powerful reminder that paying attention to our health today can protect us tomorrow. So, let’s spread the word and encourage our friends and family to check their numbers ❤️ PLEASE SHARE THIS POST!
www.arni.uk.com
#ARNIstrokerehab #StrokeAwareness #HighBloodPressure #PreventativeHealth #KnowYourNumbers #HeartHealth
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Good news for Scotland's stroke survivors 🏴The Scottish Government has just announced a £1.9 million investment in state-of-the-art mobile heart-rate monitors, and the impact will be potentially life-changing for thousands of patients. 💖
These clever, compact ECG patches will be rolled out to around 8,000 stroke patients every year. Imagine a tiny, wireless patch doing a better job of detecting irregular heart rhythms, like atrial fibrillation, right from the comfort of a patient's own home.
✨ This technology is four times more effective at detection, meaning doctors can get the info they need much faster. 🩺
⏳ Early and accurate diagnosis is absolutely key to preventing a second, potentially fatal, stroke. This amazing initiative is forecast to prevent nearly 700 secondary strokes and save more than 300 lives over the next five years. 🎉
Beyond the life-saving potential, this investment will also free up vital clinical capacity within the NHS and make the process easier for patients who won't have to travel as much for monitoring ❤️ ww#ARNIstrokerehabA#scottishhealth##strokepreventiont#nhsscotlando#InnovationInHealthcarei#savinglivesr#hearthealthes #HeartHealth
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✨ Exciting news in stroke recovery! 🧠 A new study from the University of Iowa, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is giving us real hope, suggesting that adding a simple, natural antioxidant (uric acid) could boost recovery for stroke survivors 👏.
Scientists discovered that in preclinical trials, uric acid therapy improved long-term sensorimotor function and even survival rates after an ischemic stroke.
The findings suggest that the treatment may work as an add-on therapy to standard stroke treatments in humans. The study is just published in the journal Stroke.
This research is so promising because it suggests a way to protect delicate brain tissue during a stroke, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of existing treatments like clot removal 🛡️. The study was particularly rigorous, showing positive results across different age, sex, and health groups, which means it could have a wide impact.
It's a big step forward and shines a light on new possibilities for improving outcomes for stroke survivors everywhere 💖 Stay tuned for more on this groundbreaking research.
www.arni.uk#ARNIstrokerehabr#neuroplasticityi#strokerecoveryo#hopeforstroket#UricAcidc#neurosciencei#nih #medicalresearchearch
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