TIRR Memorial Hermann participating in stroke trial

TIRR Memorial Hermann is taking part in a clinical trial aimed at assessing Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) during rehabilitation for improved upper limb motor function following a stroke. According to the American Heart Association, someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds and stroke is a leading cause of disability in the United States.

The goal of this research is to improve and maximize arm and hand function in stroke survivors. The current study is an extension of a clinical trial conducted last year in Europe. Following the European clinical trial, some patients were able to resume daily activities like driving, cooking, and taking care of young children.

TIRR Memorial Hermann is one of only three sites in the United States participating in this trial. Dr. Gerard E. Francisco, chief medical officer at TIRR Memorial Hermann and Professor and Chairman of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department (PM&R) at UT-Health and Dr. Nuray Yozabitran, researcher in the UTHealth Neuromodulation and Neural Interfaces Laboratory at TIRR Memorial Hermann’s NeuroRecovery Research Center are coordinating the Houston trial.

“At TIRR Memorial Hermann we’re known around the world for our rehabilitation services. But the cutting edge research we are doing is important so that we can continue to rehabilitate even better,” says Dr. Francisco. “The results from the European clinical trial were very promising and we’re excited to get our research underway.”

The trial requires an outpatient surgical procedure to place an electrical device in the patient’s chest area. The device is then connected to the vagus nerve in the neck using thin wires that are also implanted.

The vagus nerve directly connects to the brain and sends important signals to tell the brain what to learn. The patient will do a series of therapeutic tasks aimed at rebuilding the neural circuits in the brain that are responsible for upper limb movement. Each time the patient completes a correct movement, the therapist pushes a button and the patient receives a small burst of neurostimulation, which activate the vagus nerve. VNS aims to encourage the growth of new neural connections in the brain that may have been damaged by a stroke.

The treatment uses the Vivistim System developed by Texas based medical device firm MicroTransponder.

To participate in the trial you must be between the ages of 30 and 80 and have had a stroke at least four months ago but not more than five years ago. You must also experience some arm and hand movement difficulties.

To learn more about the trial go to http://www.vnsstroketrial.com/ or call (713) 797-5282.

TIRR Memorial Hermann changes lives by improving outcomes, offering hope and maximizing independence for people affected by disabling injury or illness.

Recognized among the leading rehabilitation hospitals in the country, TIRR Memorial Hermann serves as a model for interdisciplinary rehabilitation services, patient care, education and research.

TIRR Memorial Hermann is a 134-bed nonprofit rehabilitation hospital located in the Texas Medical Center in Houston.

Founded in 1959, TIRR Memorial Hermann has been named one of “America’s Best Hospitals” by U.S. News and World Report for 25 consecutive years.

TIRR Memorial Hermann provides rehabilitation services for individuals with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, strokes, amputations and neuromuscular disorders.

TIRR Memorial Hermann’s reputation is based on more than 50 years of experience in rehabilitation and research, the high caliber of its physician partners and clinical staff, and its comprehensive programs and services.

TIRR Memorial Hermann is also recognized for a long-standing commitment to educating patients, families, healthcare professionals, caregivers and the general public about rehabilitation.

Extending knowledge and resources into the community remains a top priority and part of TIRR Memorial Hermann’s pledge to make a difference in the lives of those recovering from disabling injury and illness.

For more information about TIRR Memorial Hermann visit tirr.memorialhermann.org or call 1-800-44REHAB(73422).

About Memorial Hermann

An integrated health system, Memorial Hermann is known for world-class clinical expertise, patient-centered care, leading edge technology, and innovation.

The system, with its exceptional medical staff and more than 20,000 employees, serves to advance health in Southeast Texas and the Greater Houston community.

Memorial Hermann’s 13 hospitals include four hospitals in the Texas Medical Center: an acute care hospital which houses the Texas Trauma Institute and a Level I trauma center of which Life Flight® air ambulance is a part, a hospital for children, a rehabilitation hospital and an orthopedic and spine hospital; eight suburban hospitals; and a second rehabilitation hospital in Katy.

The system also operates three Heart & Vascular Institutes, the Mischer Neuroscience Institute, three IRONMAN Sports Medicine Institute locations, joint replacement centers, cancer centers, imaging and surgery centers, sports medicine and rehabilitation centers, outpatient laboratories, a chemical dependency treatment center, a home health agency, a retirement community and a nursing home.

As an Accountable Care Organization, the system also offers employers health solutions and health benefit plans through its wholly owned Memorial Hermann Health Insurance Company.