Vivistim Stroke Recovery Therapy: A Breakthrough for Upper-Limb Function

From being one of the earliest U.S. adopters of the IRRAflow tool for brain bleeds to groundbreaking augmented reality (AR) X-ray vision spine technology, New Jersey Brain and Spine is always at the forefront of innovative treatments that make a meaningful difference in the physical and emotional health of our patients. 

Now, we’re proud to highlight New Jersey Brain and Spine’s commitment to compassionate, innovative care includes offering new cutting-edge treatments when they can make a meaningful difference for our patients. NJBS is proud to introduce Vivistim® Paired VNS™ Therapy, an FDA-approved treatment that pairs vagus nerve stimulation with rehab exercises to help stroke survivors regain meaningful hand and arm function, even years after blood flow to the brain was interrupted.

Vivistim Therapy uses a small, implanted device to deliver mild, precisely timed electrical pulses to the vagus nerve while patients perform task-specific physical or occupational therapy. The stimulation helps strengthen the brain’s natural neuroplasticity, which is the ability to form and reorganize neural connections—and enhances the effects of each rehabilitation session.

In clinical trials, patients receiving Vivistim Therapy achieved two to three times greater improvement in upper-limb function compared with conventional rehab alone. The therapy is designed for patients with moderate to severe upper-extremity impairment who are six months or more post-stroke, who are clinically stable, and who have the capacity to participate in structured therapy.

The procedure involves a minimally invasive outpatient implantation of the Vivistim device by a qualified neurosurgeon, followed by specialized rehabilitation sessions in partnership with a specially trained therapy team. Patients can later continue exercises at home, using a handheld magnet to activate stimulation during prescribed tasks.

“Vivistim is an exciting addition to our suite of treatment options for stroke patients,” says Dr. Hooman Azmi, a board-certified neurosurgeon at NJBS who is fellowship-trained in functional and restorative neurosurgery. “By pairing stimulation with intentional movement, we can help the brain relearn motor control in a more powerful and lasting way. It’s an approach rooted in science and proven to make a measurable difference.” Both Dr. Azmi and Dr. Aryan Ali are prepared to offer this treatment for NJBS patients.

New Jersey Brain and Spine is among a limited number of centers nationwide, and one of the first in the state of New Jersey, to offer Vivistim Therapy. The program reflects our long-standing commitment to evidence-based innovation and multidisciplinary collaboration, bringing together neurosurgeons, neurologists, and rehabilitation specialists to improve outcomes for stroke survivors.

For Referring Physicians: When to Consider Vivistim®

• Post-stroke patients with moderate to severe hand and arm impairment
• Patients who are ≥6 months post-stroke and medically stable
• Patients with sufficient cognitive and physical ability to engage in active rehabilitation
• Patients seeking improved upper-limb function beyond traditional therapy outcomes

For Patients and their Families: When to Ask About Vivistim®

If you or a loved one are a post-stroke patient, you may not have been aware until now that Vivistim is a treatment option for you. Vivistim is new, but it is a safe, proven treatment option for post-stroke patients who qualify. It is FDA-approved and its efficacy is supported by clinical trial data. 

It is best for patients who are looking to improve their upper limb function (due to continued post-stroke impairment) and who have a track record of active participation in rehabilitation. It’s important that patients be able and willing to continue participating in structured therapy after the neurosurgeon implants the small VNS device. If you meet these criteria and are approaching the 6 month mark after your stroke, now is a good time to ask about this treatment option. 

You can reach out to New Jersey Brain and Spine directly to learn more, or bring it up with your doctor to ask for a referral. As with any procedure that our neurosurgeons take on, our expert team will spend time meeting with you and your family to explain the procedure and expected outcomes, as well as answer any questions. 

Learn more about the treatment here, or schedule a consult or a second opinion today.