New Stroke Therapy Now Available
Since late 2025, Alomere’s occupational therapists (OTs) have been offering Vivistim, and FDA-approved implanted device that uses paired vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) to help stroke survivors regain hand and arm function.
How it works
The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the body—it connects the brain and helps regulate movement and other essential functions throughout the body. After a stroke, the problem often isn’t that the muscles are gone. It’s that the brain’s signals aren’t getting through properly.
The implanted device delivers mild stimulation to the vagus nerve during OT exercises. That stimulation activates parts of the brain that support relearning movement. Paired with therapy, it helps the brain strengthen existing pathways and build new ones. VNS therapy can help patients regain 2 to 3 times more hand and arm function than rehab alone.
What treatment looks like
Once the device is implanted, the protocol is six weeks, three sessions per week, 90 minutes each. After that, patients continue with their Alomere OT team at reduced intensity.
Julie Olberding, OTR/L with Gary Burks
There’s no expiration date on recovery
One of the most remarkable things about VNS therapy is what it means for people who had a stroke years—or even decades—ago. “Our oldest post-stroke patient is 45 years post-stroke in Chicago and they made great gains,” says Katelyn Petersen, Vivistim therapy developent specialist at Mobia Medical. “There’s no end date.”
Available right here
Alomere is bringing this life-changing therapy to Central Minnesota. Gary Burks drives from Fergus Falls for the opportunity to get the elevated rehab services at Alomere. “Even though the FDA has only approved this treatment for arms, my leg is also seeing improvement. Walking freely, opening jars, tying fishing knots—just being independent was the criteria I set for my recovery. It’s not a miracle, but the results are amazing,” exclaims Gary.
Who might qualify
If you or someone you know had an ischemic stroke and still struggles with hand or arm movement, VNS may be an option—regardless of how long ago the stroke happened. Insurance coverage, including Medicare, is available, though authorization takes time. To find out if VNS therapy is right for you, contact Alomere Health Rehabilitation Services by calling 320-762-6079.
