walking or gait. MS can lead to a variety of mobility issues, ranging from mild unsteadiness to more profound difficulties in walking. When combined with other vital elements of comprehensive MS care, medications and devices can help you manage these symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
The medication and device on this page are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat walking difficulties in MS.
FDA-Approved Medication and Device for Walking Difficulties in MS
The following medication and device have been approved by the FDA to treat walking difficulties in MS.
Ampyra®
Brand Name: Ampyra (U.S.)®
Chemical Name: dalfampridine
Generic Available: Yes
Description: Dalfampridine (Ampyra®) is an oral medication that blocks tiny pores, or potassium channels, on the surface of nerve fibers. Blocking potassium channels may improve the conduction of nerve signals along nerve fibers whose insulating myelin coating has been damaged by MS.
Dalfampridine is approved by the FDA to improve walking in patients with MS, as demonstrated by an increase in walking speed.
Read about the Ampyra patient support program or call 888-881-1918.
If you are a healthcare professional, see the Healthcare Professionals page for more information.
PoNS Device
Device name: The Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS) (PoNS® Helius Medical Technologies, Inc.)
Usage in MS: Adjunct to physical therapy to treat walking difficulties
Description: A PoNS device is a small instrument that delivers mild electrical stimulation to the tongue, in turn sending impulses to the brain. Those signals are transmitted to muscles used for walking.
PoNS devices must be used in conjunction with physical therapy as a short-term treatment. The device is worn for about 20 minutes. It consists of a controller that goes around your neck and a mouthpiece that you hold in place with your lips and teeth. The physical therapist connects the device to a computer so they can identify areas for improvement.
PoNS therapy lasts 14 weeks. The first 2 weeks are in person with the physical therapist. The PT will go over exercises to help your balance, gait and breathing. The final 12 weeks of therapy are done at home under your therapist’s supervision.
PoNS devices are available for those 22 and older with mild to moderate walking difficulties with a prescription.
Read more about PoNS therapy in the PoNS and FDA websites. More information about the PoNS device can be found in the National MS Society News.
" c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">Help With Walking Difficulties in Multiple Sclerosis
Medication can play a crucial role in alleviating multiple sclerosis symptoms — including issues with walking or gait. MS can lead to a variety of mobility issues, ranging from mild unsteadiness to more profound difficulties in walking. When combined with other vital elements of comprehensive MS care, medications and devices can help you manage these symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
The medication and device on this page are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat walking difficulties in MS.
FDA-Approved Medication and Device for Walking Difficulties in MS
The following medication and device have been approved by the FDA to treat walking difficulties in MS.
Ampyra®
Brand Name: Ampyra (U.S.)®
Chemical Name: dalfampridine
Generic Available: Yes
Description: Dalfampridine (Ampyra®) is an oral medication that blocks tiny pores, or potassium channels, on the surface of nerve fibers. Blocking potassium channels may improve the conduction of nerve signals along nerve fibers whose insulating myelin coating has been damaged by MS.
Dalfampridine is approved by the FDA to improve walking in patients with MS, as demonstrated by an increase in walking speed.
Read about the Ampyra patient support program or call 888-881-1918.
If you are a healthcare professional, see the Healthcare Professionals page for more information.
PoNS Device
Device name: The Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS) (PoNS® Helius Medical Technologies, Inc.)
Usage in MS: Adjunct to physical therapy to treat walking difficulties
Description: A PoNS device is a small instrument that delivers mild electrical stimulation to the tongue, in turn sending impulses to the brain. Those signals are transmitted to muscles used for walking.
PoNS devices must be used in conjunction with physical therapy as a short-term treatment. The device is worn for about 20 minutes. It consists of a controller that goes around your neck and a mouthpiece that you hold in place with your lips and teeth. The physical therapist connects the device to a computer so they can identify areas for improvement.
PoNS therapy lasts 14 weeks. The first 2 weeks are in person with the physical therapist. The PT will go over exercises to help your balance, gait and breathing. The final 12 weeks of therapy are done at home under your therapist’s supervision.
PoNS devices are available for those 22 and older with mild to moderate walking difficulties with a prescription.
Read more about PoNS therapy in the PoNS and FDA websites. More information about the PoNS device can be found in the National MS Society News.