Researchers report that combining vagus nerve stimulation with intensive rehabilitation could enhance hand function after a stroke. The findings come from a study that was showcased at a recent conference hosted by the American Stroke Association (ASA).
In the United States, stimulation of the vagus nerve using a specialized implantable device received regulatory approval in 2021 as a treatment option for persistent hand dysfunction following a stroke. This approval opened the door to broader clinical use and ongoing investigations into how nerve stimulation can complement rehabilitation strategies.
In the new trial, 108 participants aged 22 to 80 engaged in six weeks of highly supervised, intensive rehabilitation focused on restoring hand movements and dexterity. After this preparatory phase, participants underwent implantation of a real vagus nerve stimulator in one group, while a control group received a sham device that did not deliver active stimulation. All participants continued with structured home exercise programs after hospital-based therapy sessions, ensuring continued practice outside clinical settings.
One year into the follow-up, the group receiving active vagus nerve stimulation showed two to three times greater gains in hand function compared with the control group. Researchers propose that pairing rehabilitation with vagus nerve stimulation may promote the strengthening of new neural pathways, potentially bypassing damaged connections between the brain and the hand. This synergistic effect could support more efficient motor recovery in stroke survivors.
In related discussions, prior medical guidance has noted that aspirin use carries bleeding risks for some individuals, including concerns tied to hemorrhagic stroke. This context underscores the importance of individualized medical assessment when considering stroke risk management and secondary prevention strategies. Clinicians emphasize that treatment decisions should be tailored to each patient’s history and risk profile, in consultation with their care team.