Vagus nerve stimulation paired with upper limb rehabilitation after chronic stroke

Kimberley, T. J. et al. (2018) Vagus nerve stimulation paired with upper limb rehabilitation after chronic stroke. Stroke, 49(11), pp. 2789-2792. (doi: 10.1161/strokeaha.118.022279) (PMID:30355189)

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Abstract

Background and Purpose: We assessed safety, feasibility, and potential effects of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with rehabilitation for improving arm function after chronic stroke. Methods: We performed a randomized, multisite, double-blinded, sham-controlled pilot study. All participants were implanted with a VNS device and received 6-week in-clinic rehabilitation followed by a home exercise program. Randomization was to active VNS (n=8) or control VNS (n=9) paired with rehabilitation. Outcomes were assessed at days 1, 30, and 90 post-completion of in-clinic therapy. Results: All participants completed the course of therapy. There were 3 serious adverse events related to surgery. Average FMA-UE scores increased 7.6 with active VNS and 5.3 points with control at day 1 post–in-clinic therapy (difference, 2.3 points; CI, −1.8 to 6.4; P=0.20). At day 90, mean scores increased 9.5 points from baseline with active VNS, and the control scores improved by 3.8 (difference, 5.7 points; CI, −1.4 to 11.5; P=0.055). The clinically meaningful response rate of FMA-UE at day 90 was 88% with active VNS and 33% with control VNS (P<0.05). Conclusions: VNS paired with rehabilitation was acceptably safe and feasible in participants with upper limb motor deficit after chronic ischemic stroke. A pivotal study of this therapy is justified.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:The trial was funded by MicroTransponder, Inc.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Dawson, Professor Jesse and Dickie, Dr David Alexander
Authors: Kimberley, T. J., Pierce, D., Prudente, C. N., Francisco, G. E., Yozbatiran, N., Smith, P., Tarver, B., Engineer, N. D., Dickie, D. A., Kline, D. K., Wigginton, J. G., Cramer, S. C., and Dawson, J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
Journal Name:Stroke
Publisher:Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
ISSN:1524-4628
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.
First Published:First published in Stroke 49(11):2789-2792
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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