Research Progress of Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Stroke Rehabilitation Treatment

Abstract

<i>Background: </i>Stroke is the leading cause of adult death in China and the leading cause of death worldwide, characterized by high morbidity, disability, mortality, recurrence and economic burden, often leading to various functional impairments, such as motor impairment, sensory impairment, swallowing impairment, consciousness impairment and cognitive impairment. Therefore, finding effective intervention methods is currently a hot and difficult issue in stroke rehabilitation treatment. Vagus nerve stimulation, as a classical neuromodulation technique, has been widely certified for its safety and effectiveness. In recent years, several studies at home and abroad have reported that VNS can be used as a potential rehabilitation treatment to improve functional impairment after stroke. <i>Objective:</i> In this paper, the clinical application of vagus nerve stimulation in different dysfunctions after stroke is discussed in the context of relevant studies at home and abroad, and the effectiveness, safety and possible mechanisms of action of VNS in stroke treatment are reviewed, aiming to provide new therapeutic ideas for stroke rehabilitation. <i>Conclusion: </i>Vagus nerve stimulation, a classical neuromodulation technique, can help improve various dysfunctions after stroke and improve patients' survivability and quality of life. Vagus nerve stimulation is expected to be a potential new therapy for stroke rehabilitation and play an important role in the rehabilitation of post-stroke dysfunction.