Tiny implant zaps nerves to boost stroke rehab

NCT ID NCT06716112

First seen Jun 04, 2026 · Last updated Jun 19, 2026 · Updated 6 times

Summary

This study tested whether a small implanted device that stimulates the vagus nerve could improve arm and hand function in people who had a stroke at least a year ago. Four participants received either real or sham stimulation paired with physical therapy. The goal was to see how the brain's pathways change, not to prove a treatment works.

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This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Contacts and locations

Locations

  • NYU Langone Health

    New York, New York, 10016, United States

  • The University of Texas at Dallas

    Richardson, Texas, 75080, United States

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) device

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a way to improve motor recovery after stroke by pairing nerve stimulation with rehabilitation.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early mechanistic study that was terminated early, so results may be limited and not generalizable. The device requires surgical implantation, which carries risks.

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

stroke disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.