A recent article published at Front Neurosci. 2019 Mar 29;13:280 by Engineer et al summirizes the potential benefits of supporting arm recovery after stroke with vagus nerve stimulation. Stimulating the vagus nerve triggers release of neuromodulating signals in brain which showed promise in pre-clinical studies. Currently two multi-site randomized controlled studies are ongoing to test for benefit of vagal nerve stimulation paired with rehabilitation to help improve moderate to severe upper limb weakness in patients with chronic ischemic stroke.
Lots of new research is happening in the field of neuro-rehabilitation. Working with experts in stroke rehabilitation may help maximize your chances of stroke recovery.