PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — A Vero Beach woman is getting her independence back after a stroke, thanks to a cutting-edge device now being used at Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital.
Doctors implanted a small stimulator that activates the nerves controlling movement in her arms and hands. By pairing the stimulation with physical therapy, she’s been able to feed herself, do yard work, and even write again.
The technology was approved only a few years ago, and specialists say it’s already changing lives for stroke survivors who thought their recovery had reached a limit.
“Now with this device, we have a new tool, a new option that could hopefully help patients that reach that plateau that were not improving with just physical therapy,” said Dr. Mauricio Mandel, neurosurgeon at Cleveland Clinic.
Patient Deborah Guy says the progress has been life-changing: “I didn’t think I’d ever have the same quality of life, but I think it’s going to be there, pretty close.”
Doctors say the stimulation device can even be activated at home using a magnet, and it’s safe for patients regardless of how long ago their stroke occurred.