This advancement represents an important step forward for people living with the long‑term effects of stroke and reflects BayCare Clinic’s commitment to providing advanced neurological care focused on patient outcomes and quality of life.
What Is Vivistim® Paired VNS™?
Vivistim® Paired VNS™ Therapy is an FDA‑approved treatment designed to help improve hand and arm function after an ischemic stroke. Unlike traditional rehabilitation alone, Vivistim combines gentle vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) with guided physical or occupational therapy exercises.
By pairing stimulation with movement therapy, Vivistim helps the brain strengthen connections involved in learning and motor control—supporting continued recovery even months or years after a stroke.
How Vivistim® Therapy Works
During therapy sessions, Vivistim delivers mild, carefully timed stimulation to the vagus nerve while patients perform specific rehabilitation exercises. This pairing helps reinforce brain signals related to movement and learning.
Studies have shown that this combined approach can lead to better outcomes than therapy alone, offering new hope to patients who may have reached a plateau with traditional stroke rehabilitation.
Who May Benefit from Vivistim® Therapy?
Vivistim Therapy may be an option for patients who:
- Have experienced an ischemic stroke
- Are six months or more past their stroke
- Have moderate to severe weakness in the arm or hand
- Have made limited progress with previous rehabilitation
- Retain some movement in the arm, wrist, thumb, or at least two fingers
To learn more about Vivistim® Therapy or to find out if it may be right for you or a loved one, call 920‑288‑8350.