Reclaim Your Movement With the Vivistim® Neurostimulation System

After a stroke, many people continue to struggle with arm and hand movement, making everyday tasks like eating, getting dressed and buttoning a shirt more difficult. Vivistim® Paired VNS™ is an FDA-approved technology designed to help eligible stroke survivors regain function when paired with rehabilitation therapy. Clinically proven to improve outcomes beyond intensive therapy alone, Vivistim offers new hope for greater independence after stroke.

Keep reading to hear from our neurosurgeon, Erinc Akture, MD, about this leading-edge technology and how we can help you reclaim your life.

What Is Vivistim?

The vagus nerve plays an important role in communication between the brain and body. Following a stroke, these communication pathways can be disrupted, affecting movement and coordination.

“Vivistim is an FDA-approved technology that helps stroke survivors regain arm and hand function by stimulating the vagus nerve,” says Dr. Akture.

The process includes a small device implanted in the chest and connected to the vagus nerve. During rehabilitation exercises, the device delivers gentle stimulation that works alongside therapy to help strengthen the brain's ability to relearn movement patterns. Your care team monitors progress and adjusts treatment as needed throughout recovery.

How Vivistim Pairs With Stroke Rehab to Retrain Your Brain

According to Dr. Akture, stimulating the vagus nerve activates areas of the brain involved in learning and memory. When paired with specific rehabilitation exercises, this stimulation helps strengthen existing neural connections and create new ones, a process known as neuroplasticity.

Patients participate in guided therapy sessions and continue exercises at home. During clinic visits, stimulation is delivered at key moments while performing targeted arm and hand movements. At home, patients use a handheld magnet to activate therapy while practicing everyday activities such as preparing meals, folding laundry or other daily tasks.

This combination of nerve stimulation and repetitive movement helps the brain relearn how to control affected muscles and improve upper-limb function.

Vivistim Candidacy

“Our rehab team members will assess your current hand and arm function to determine whether Vivistim therapy is the right fit for you,” says Dr. Akture. Factors that determine candidacy for Vivistim therapy include:

• Ability to participate in rehabilitation therapy
• Commitment to partake in a six-week rehabilitation program and at-home therapy
• Six months post-stroke
• Some control of arm and hand movement in the affected arm

It’s also important to note that Vivistim is only approved to treat people who’ve experienced an ischemic stroke. The Vivistim implant can remain effective for up to 35 years, allowing patients to benefit from therapy long after implantation.

Helping You Reclaim Your Life Through Advanced Technology

Life after stroke can be challenging, but advances in technology are creating new opportunities for recovery. At AdventHealth, our team is committed to providing innovative treatments that help patients regain function, confidence and independence.

Vivistim is available in Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Orange City, Palm Coast and Tavares. To learn whether you may be a candidate, call Call386-231-4276.