New therapy helps stroke survivors regain motor function

Doctors are turning to a new form of therapy to help stroke survivors regain mobility in their arms and hands, offering new hope for those facing long-term disability.

Strokes remain one of the leading causes of disability in the United States, affecting up to a million people every year. Many survivors lose the ability to perform everyday tasks such as using a phone, lifting a cup, or even holding a grandchild.

While rehabilitation has long been a standard part of recovery, a new technique involving vagus nerve stimulation is showing promising results. The therapy uses a device originally designed for epilepsy patients. A small implant, called Vivistim, is inserted to stimulate the vagus nerve, sending signals to the brain to reinforce motor learning.

The implant works in tandem with traditional rehab exercises. When patients complete a movement, the stimulation encourages the brain to rewire itself, helping reinforce the motion and improve coordination over time.

Some patients have seen significant improvement, including reduced hand spasticity and greater ability to perform fine motor tasks. The device can be used years after a stroke, although early use tends to yield better outcomes.