Vagus Nerve Stimulation: A Breakthrough for Stroke Recovery
- Sherry Odom
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
Vagus Nerve Stimulation: A Breakthrough for Stroke Recovery
The Neuroplasticity Alliance is excited to highlight vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as a revolutionary tool for stroke recovery. VNS delivers mild electrical pulses to the vagus nerve during rehabilitation exercises, boosting the release of neuromodulators like acetylcholine and norepinephrine. This enhances neuroplasticity, enabling the brain to rewire and form new neural pathways, accelerating motor function recovery—especially in the upper limbs.
Stroke survivors often face months or even years of physical therapy to regain lost abilities. Compared to constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), VNS can achieve similar functional gains in as little as six weeks, significantly reducing the time required for intensive therapy. This offers hope to patients who may have plateaued in their recovery or are seeking a more efficient, targeted approach to rehabilitation.
Groundbreaking Research
Dr. Michael Kilgard’s pioneering research at The University of Texas at Dallas underscores VNS’s promise. His 2018 preclinical study showed doubled motor recovery rates in rats. Building on these findings, a 2021 randomized, triple-blind clinical trial with over 100 patients found that VNS paired with rehab significantly improved arm and hand function compared to placebo, with nearly half of patients showing lasting gains.
This research is helping to reshape post-stroke care, shifting the focus from solely repetitive task practice to harnessing the brain’s natural plasticity through targeted neuromodulation. To learn more about Dr. Kilgard’s exciting work, tune into his recent interview on the Huberman Lab podcast, where he discusses VNS and its impact on neuroplasticity.
Accessing VNS Treatment
For those seeking VNS treatment, the FDA-approved Vivistim system is available at select centers like UT Southwestern in Dallas, where clinical trials continue. The Vivistim system involves a minimally invasive outpatient procedure to implant the device, followed by a specialized rehab program.
You can visit www.vivistim.com or contact the Texas Biomedical Device Center for more information on eligibility, treatment locations, and ongoing research.
The Neuroplasticity Alliance’s Commitment
At The Neuroplasticity Alliance (NPA), we are dedicated to empowering individuals, caregivers, and professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and practical tools for brain recovery and resilience. By highlighting breakthroughs like vagus nerve stimulation, our mission is to bridge the gap between science and everyday recovery strategies—helping more people access life-changing innovations sooner.
We believe that education is the first step to empowerment. Whether you are a survivor, family member, or clinician, staying informed about advancements like VNS can help guide your care decisions and inspire hope for better outcomes.
References
Dawson, J., et al. (2021). Vagus nerve stimulation paired with rehabilitation for upper limb motor function after ischemic stroke: A randomized, blinded, pivotal, device trial. The Lancet, 397(10284), 1545–1553. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00475-X
Khodaparast, N., et al. (2018). Vagus nerve stimulation during rehabilitative training improves forelimb recovery after ischemic stroke in rats. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, 32(6-7), 557–567. https://doi.org/10.1177/1545968318776370
Huberman, A. (Host). (2024, May). Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Stroke Recovery & Neuroplasticity [Audio podcast episode]. In Huberman Lab. https://hubermanlab.com
Vivistim Paired VNS™ System – FDA approval information. FDA Summary
📅 Learn More with NPA’s 5-Week Educational Series
The Neuroplasticity Alliance offers a free 5-week educational series on neuroplasticity and brain recovery — available both in person in Louisville, KY, and virtually for nationwide participation.This interactive program covers the latest in brain rewiring science, therapies, and practical recovery strategies for stroke survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
🔗 Details & registration:www.npallies.org
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