The tactile experience paired with vagus nerve stimulation determines the degree of sensory recovery after chronic nerve damage.

ABSTRACT: Loss of sensory function is a common consequence of neurological injury. Recent clinical and preclinical evidence indicates vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with tactile rehabilitation, consisting of delivery of a variety of mechanical stimuli to the hyposensitive skin surface, yields substantial and long-lasting recovery of somatosensory function after median and ulnar nerve transection and repair. Here, we tested the hypothesis that a specific component of the tactile rehabilitation paired with VNS is necessary for recovery of somatosensory function. In a second experiment in a separate cohort, we investigated whether VNS paired with tactile rehabilitation could improve skilled forelimb motor function. Elements of the study design, including planned sample size, assessments, and stat

SUBMITTER: Darrow MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7572822 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature