A breakthrough therapy for stroke recovery
To help stroke survivors improve hand and arm function, Parkview offers Vivistim. This safe, one-of-a-kind system uses a small medical device implant to stimulate the vagus nerve during rehabilitation therapy and daily activities. Utilizing vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in combination with recovery exercises, Vivistim helps strengthen the connections in the brain to improve hand and arm movements.
When Vivistim is activated, it gently stimulates the brain via the vagus nerve, sparking the brain to strengthen and create new neural pathways. It’s like building a new bridge to bypass the damaged area. With this boost in neural activity, the brain builds lasting connections that continue to work when Vivistim is not in use.
Vagus nerve and electrical stimulation
The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the body, often described as the superhighway of the nervous system. It sends messages between your brain and many parts of the body. When gentle electrical stimulation is applied to the vagus nerve, it activates the parts of the brain that are important for motor learning and strengthens the mind-body connection.
Criteria for Vivistim therapy
Patients who qualify for Vivistim should meet the following criteria:
- Chronic ischemic stroke survivor
- Limited hand and arm function six months or more after stroke
- Moderate to severe deficits diagnosed by a healthcare professional
