Tulsa stroke survivors invited to check out new FDA-approved therapy process

Stroke survivors in Tulsa were invited to check out a new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved therapy aimed to help restore hand and arm movement years after a stroke.

PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Tulsa held free mini screenings Wednesday to introduce patients to Vivistim.

How does the therapy work?

The therapy works through a process called Vagus Nerve Stimulation, which PAM Health said stimulates the brain during rehab therapy and at-home activities. Occupational Therapist Chelsie Nick said the device was approved by the FDA to treat epilepsy in 1996 before it was approved to treat ischemic chronic strokes in 2021.

What's the process like?

Nick said the devices are implemented in the chest, and patients go through six weeks of intensive therapy, three times a week for 90-minute sessions to help improve functionality.

You can fill out a survey to see if you're right for this treatment by clicking here.

Are there any patients doing this in Oklahoma?

While they don't have any patients yet in Oklahoma, Nick said she hopes the free mini screenings on Wednesday will help get the word out about this process.

They also have a list of providers at this link here

"This is something that's new and can provide patients with improvement in arm function that they haven't been able to have in years that can be very life altering when it comes to being able to be independent in everyday life," Nick said.