Can vagus nerve stimulation restore arm function after a stroke?
A new £2 million study is exploring whether vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) could help stroke survivors recover arm function. The research, named Triceps, will test a German-made device designed to treat weakness following a stroke. Meanwhile, VNS technology is already being used in other medical areas, including cluster headache relief and epilepsy treatment.
Vagus nerve stimulation works by targeting the vagus nerves—two long nerves running from the brain to key organs like the heart, lungs and gut. When activated, these nerves can shift the body from a stressed ‘fight or flight’ state into a calmer ‘rest and digest’ mode. Some users of VNS devices also report better energy levels, though scientists have yet to fully explain why.
The Triceps study focuses on transcutaneous VNS (tVNS), a non-invasive method that stimulates the nerve through the skin. While invasive VNS implants have been used for years to manage epilepsy, research on tVNS for stroke-related arm weakness remains limited. Leading institutions such as the University of Pittsburgh and Emory University are investigating neuromodulation for stroke recovery, but large-scale tVNS trials for arm function are still in early stages. One existing NHS-approved VNS device, GammaCore, treats cluster headaches by stimulating the vagus nerve at the neck. The new Triceps trial aims to build on this approach, testing whether similar technology could aid stroke rehabilitation.
The Triceps study will assess whether non-invasive VNS can improve arm strength after a stroke. If successful, the device could offer a new rehabilitation option for patients. For now, VNS continues to show promise across different conditions, from headache relief to potential stroke recovery support.
