Ohio State University is reporting on a study its researchers are performing that’s evaluating a brain stimulator for treating the consequences of strokes. Specifically, a device made by MicroTransponder, an Austin, Texas firm, is used to stimulate the vagus nerve while a patient performs traditional rehab exercises.
The therapist holds a button controller and presses it as a desired motion is performed, sending signals up the vagus nerve. The idea is that this process will help to speed up the process of neuroplasticity, often referred to as “rewiring” of the brain.
The Vivistim system from MicroTransponder comes includes the implant that’s positioned like a pacemaker, with leads reaching the vagus nerve, the button controller, and a wireless transmitter that sends the signals to the implant on when to fire
Here’s a video from Ohio State about the study:
Product info page: Vivistim system…
Via: Ohio State…
Images courtesy of Ohio State and MicroTransponder