Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a Strategy to Augment Stroke Rehabilitation

Neural plasticity supports recovery after neurological injury. Strategies that enhance adaptive neural plasticity in conjunction with rehabilitation hold promise to substantially improve recovery of motor and sensory function after neurological damage. We have developed an innovative method using brief bursts of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with rehabilitative training to enhance plasticity in motor circuits. VNS drives phasic activation of plasticity-enhancing neuromodulatory systems which augment rehabilitation-dependent plasticity.
Source: BRAIN STIMULATION: Basic, Translational, and Clinical Research in Neuromodulation - Category: Neurology Authors: Source Type: research