Table 1_Upper extremity motor outcomes during paired vagus nerve stimulation in chronic ischemic stroke: a retrospective single-health-system cohort study.doc

In randomized trials, vagus nerve stimulation paired with task-specific rehabilitation (Paired VNS) produced greater improvement in UE function and activity than the same rehabilitation with sham stimulation, leading to FDA approval in 2021.</p>Methods<p>We conducted a retrospective, observational cohort study of adults with chronic stroke and persistent UE deficits who underwent Vivistim implantation and participated in a Paired VNS program delivered across 5 outpatient clinics within our health system.

The primary outcome was change in Fugl-Meyer Assessment–Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) from baseline (Paired VNS therapy initiation) to end of the intended Paired VNS therapy protocol (18 sessions). A ≥6-point improvement defined a clinically meaningful response. Adverse events were a secondary safety outcome, ascertained from routine clinical documentation and not systematically collected beyond early postoperative follow-up.</p>Results<p>32 patients underwent device implantation; 28 (88%) completed the intended protocol within the health system and had paired FMA-UE assessments available for the primary analysis.