Vivistim Therapy for Stroke Recovery
Vivistim is a breakthrough treatment for stroke survivors to improve hand and arm function. Vivistim is the first FDA-approved neurostimulation device to pair VNS (vagus nerve stimulation) with your rehabilitation therapy and daily activities. This pairing helps strengthen the brain connections needed to improve hand and arm function. It’s the only system of its kind, and it is proven safe and effective.
The Vivistim System is designed to help increase neuroplasticity to help you improve your hand and arm movements.
Vivistim treatment includes three therapeutic components:
- Implantation of the Vivistim device during a short out-patient procedure
- Therapist-led Vivistim Therapy in a rehabilitation setting
- Self-activated Vivistim Therapy at home or outside the rehabilitation setting
If you are a chronic ischemic stroke survivor and have not regained arm and hand function six months after your stroke, this treatment might be right for you.
To determine if Vivistim is right for you, request an Occupational Therapy referral from your health care provider. Have the Occupational referral sent to UHS Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, where we will complete an evaluation with you to determine eligibility.
How does Vivistim Therapy work?
During rehabilitation exercises and at-home activities, Vivistim is activated to gently stimulate the brain via the vagus nerve. This boost to the brain helps strengthen and create new neural pathways, like building a new bridge to bypass the damaged area. When the Vivistim Therapy boosts the brain’s neural activity, it builds lasting connections that continue to work even when Vivistim is not in use.
Watch on YouTube >
