Restoring Sensory Function After Upper Limb Nerve Injury with Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Abstract
Loss of touch sensation and feeling after a nerve injury is a common source of Service-connected disability, and most patients are not satisfied with the current strategies developed to treat it. Here, we propose a Research Level 2 project that addresses the following Focus Areas: (1) solutions to accelerate recovery and restore Warfighter performance in training and operational environments and (2) optimization of Warfighter performance following limb trauma or loss, including regenerative rehabilitation solutions addressing peripheral nerves. This project builds on our initial success toward developing a novel therapy to treat loss of strength and touch sensation after damage to the nerves in the hand and arm. Rather than trying to treat the damage done to the nerves themselves, this method uses neuromodulation of a different nerve in the neck to promote changes in the way the brain processes touch sensation from the body. We have shown that this strategy generates significant restoration of feeling in the paw in an animal model of nerve damage. Here, we propose to perform a series of steps that are necessary to get this promising therapy ready for use in humans. First, we will determine the most effective way to deliver the therapy in order to maximize benefits for patients. Second, we will create the hardware and software needed to allow a therapist to easily deliver the therapy to patients. Finally, we will obtain the necessary regulatory approvals to perform a clinical study. Our group has twice converted proof-of-concept animal studies into successful clinical trials in 3 years’ time, and we have treated over 100 stroke patients using a similar version of this therapy. The efforts proposed here represent a necessary step to translate this completely new approach to ultimately yield real, tangible benefits for Warfighters and Veterans suffering the devastating consequences of nerve damage.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 10, 2021
- Source ID
- W81XWH2010863
Entities
People
- Seth A Hays
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of Texas at Dallas