Paired Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Stroke Recovery

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Paired VNS offers a therapeutic approach that can help improve rehabilitation results. Data so far shows that people using paired VNS (VNS system combined with therapy) often improve significantly more than with therapy alone. Outcomes differ by individual patient.

VNS implantation procedures are not new. They have been performed for more than 25 years to treat other nerve-related conditions such as epilepsy.

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Paired VNS helps your brain learn and adapt during rehabilitation exercises and at-home activities. By stimulating the vagus nerve while you move, it helps the brain strengthen and create new connections (neural pathways). Think of it like building a new bridge to bypass damaged areas of the brain. Over time, the paired VNS therapy boosts the brain’s neural activity and builds lasting connections that continue to work even when the device is not in use.

How Paired VNS Works

Northwestern Memorial Hospital is proud to be among the top-ranked neurology and neurosurgery programs in the U.S.

What Is Paired VNS?

What to Expect

• The VNS device is implanted during a same-day surgical procedure.
• A small incision is made in the neck to place a thin wire on the vagus nerve.
• A second small incision is made in the chest to place the battery.

After the Procedure

• You will start paired VNS therapy with a physical therapist a few weeks after the VNS device is
  implanted and your surgeon says it is OK.
• The therapy will take place in a rehabilitation clinic.
• Using a remote, the therapist will send a wireless signal to the implanted device from a laptop.
• The device delivers a brief, gentle pulse to the vagus nerve while you do different rehabilitation tasks.
• Rehabilitation therapy typically lasts six weeks, a few times per week.
• As part of the paired VNS rehabilitation program, you are taught how to activate the VNS system at home to do home exercises.

Eligibility for Paired VNS

Paired VNS may be a treatment option for you if:

• You are an adult who had an ischemic stroke resulting in weakness of the arm or hand.
• Your stroke occurred at least six months ago.
• You have some wrist and finger movement on the affected side.
• You are motivated and able to participate in occupational or physical therapy three times a week for six weeks.
• You are in overall good health and able to undergo a minor surgical procedure.