TAMPA, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — Every year, up to a million people suffer a stroke, a number experts say could soar to 200 million by 2050. The leading cause of long-term disability in the U.S., a stroke can rob people of their ability to perform everyday tasks. But now, a promising new approach is offering hope for stroke survivors.
It’s a small spot, but the damage from a stroke can cause patients to lose their ability to pick up a cup, use their phone, work, and play with their grandchildren.
“It can be quite debilitating,” said Oliver Flouty, MD, neurosurgeon & assistant professor at USF Health & Tampa General Hospital.
While rehab helps, a new approach is giving stroke survivors more mobility in their arms and hands.
“Vivistim is an old technology used in a new way,” explained Dr. Fouty.
Traditionally used for epilepsy patients, he now implants the MicroTransponder in stroke survivors which stimulates the Vagus nerve to carry a signal to the brain, rewiring parts associated with motor functions.
During therapy, when a patient performs an exercise correctly, it signals the brain to remember that movement.
“I’ve seen a lot of patients where they had the really bad spasticity of their hand. And after this extensive therapy, they’re able to open their hand,” Dr. Fouty told Ivanhoe.
A small movement that can change the life of a stroke survivor.
Vivistim can be used for stroke survivors years, even decades, after a stroke, but Dr. Flouty says the closer to when the stroke happens, the better the outcome. This therapy isn’t for everyone. Patients with extensive strokes, brainstem damage, no hand function, or those too ill for surgery or who can’t safely stop blood thinners aren’t typically candidates. Also, individuals with other active ongoing diseases are usually not considered for the procedure at this time.
Contributors to this news report include: Marsha Lewis, Producer; Matt Goldschmidt, Videographer; Chuck Bennethum, Editor.
* For More Information, Contact:
Danielle Caci
Public Relations Manager at Tampa General Hospital
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