Using Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Aid in Recovery from Spinal Cord Injuries
Targeting the vagus nerve has shown potential in treating a range of health conditions
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Pairing targeted vagus nerve stimulation with physical therapy appears to offer promising results for individuals who have experienced partial paralysis due to spinal cord injuries. This innovative approach has demonstrated the ability to assist in the recovery of motor function, enabling patients to regain the capacity to perform daily tasks such as fastening a necklace or zipping up clothing.
The utilization of vagus nerve stimulation in conjunction with physical therapy has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of certain motor impairments following a stroke. Building upon this success, Michael Kilgard and his team at the University of Texas at Dallas embarked on a study to explore the potential benefits of this treatment for individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries.
