Recovery Insights & Stories

A New Era in Chronic Stroke Recovery

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has long been used in epilepsy and depression—but now, the FDA‑approved Vivistim® Paired VNS™ System is making waves in stroke rehab, offering hope for patients long past their recovery plateau.

⏳ Real Patient Story: Kentucky's First Vivistim Implant

At University of Kentucky (UK) HealthCare, one patient became the first person in Kentucky to receive the Vivistim implant in February 2025. Their ischemic stroke had left their right arm nearly paralyzed. With the implant—placed under the chest skin and attached to the vagus nerve—paired with occupational therapy, they've been relearning everyday movements. From mastering a computer mouse to flipping burgers, each success marks a deeper step in recovery.

🔧 How Paired VNS Works

1. An outpatient procedure places a small device under the skin in the upper chest, with a lead wrapping around the left vagus nerve in the neck.
2. Two weeks later, during rehabilitation exercises, therapists trigger mild electrical pulses via a handheld transmitter timed to movement.
3. These pulses boost neuroplasticity—helping the brain forge new pathways for impaired arm and hand function.

📈 Evidence: Two to Three Times the Gains

• The VNS‑REHAB pivotal clinical trial showed that chronic stroke survivors receiving paired VNS in therapy regained 2–3× more upper‑limb function than those with therapy alone.
• Follow‑ups at 1–3 years demonstrate sustained motor gains and high patient satisfaction—98% reported being pleased with results.

✅ Safety & Accessibility

• Implants are minimally invasive, done outpatient in under an hour. Most patients go home within 48 hours.
• Side effects are mild—hoarseness, throat tingling, minor swelling—with serious complications being rare.
• Centers across 20+ states—including UK HealthCare, AdventHealth, UConn Health, and Hartford HealthCare—now offer Vivistim programs.

💬 Caregiver Insight

A caregiver from a support group shared their spouse's story: after a brainstem stroke four years earlier, they traveled to UK Hospital and became patient #4 or #5 to receive the implant. The caregiver described palpable excitement from both their spouse and the care team—calling results "remarkable" and "revolutionary."

🌍 What's Next

• Clinical expansion: UConn pilots programs focused on veterans and seeks funding to broaden access.
• Optimizing protocols: Researchers are exploring the best timing, intensity, and therapy pairing strategies.
• Future technologies: Non‑invasive VNS is promising, though current evidence supports the implantable system.

📝 For Patients & Caregivers

• Talk to your neurologist or therapist about Vivistim eligibility—typically chronic ischemic stroke survivors with moderate to severe upper-limb deficits.
• Find a provider: Contact stroke rehab centers offering Vivistim—UK HealthCare, UConn, AdventHealth, and others.
• Explore coverage: Discuss insurance and financial assistance options, especially for veterans or state-funded programs.

👣 Steps to Take

1. Get evaluated to confirm chronic ischemic stroke with arm/hand weakness.
2. Locate a provider offering paired VNS therapy.
3. Schedule surgery and rehab, coordinating rehab sessions post-implant.
4. Track progress, documenting improvements in daily tasks and motor function.
5. Share your journey: Inspire others via blog posts, support groups, or social media.

Sources

1. University of Kentucky HealthCare implant details (patient story, Feb 2025)
2. UK HealthCare confirmation of Kentucky's first Vivistim implant
3. AdventHealth (Orlando) case overview and patient success
4. Clinical data: VNS‑REHAB pivotal trial
5. Long‑term outcomes & high satisfaction rates
6. Technical details (device mechanism, mild side effects)
7. Centers offering Vivistim across 20+ states
8. Caregiver support group post
9. Expansion programs (UConn, veterans focus)