Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
After multiple strokes, Crystal was told her recovery had reached a plateau—but she refused to stop trying. See how vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with intensive occupational and physical therapy at WashU Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital helped Crystal regain strength, dexterity, and independence years after her first stroke.
Led by regional experts in stroke care and neurorehabilitation, this innovative, FDA-approved therapy is offering new hope to stroke survivors in the St. Louis region who want to do more on their own—from daily tasks to favorite activities once thought out of reach.
“This is a message of hope,” says Dr. Alexandre Carter, WashU Medicine neurologist specializing in neurorehabilitation. By pairing VNS with therapy, patients can push past what was once considered a permanent plateau.
Interested in learning whether you or a loved one may be a candidate? Call 314-362-7382 to make an appointment with a WashU Medicine stroke specialist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
Learn more about comprehensive stroke care at BJC HealthCare: bjc.org/specialties-services/neurosciences/stroke
After multiple strokes, Crystal was told her recovery had reached a plateau—but she refused to stop trying. See how vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with intensive occupational and physical therapy at WashU Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital helped Crystal regain strength, dexterity, and independence years after her first stroke.
Led by regional experts in stroke care and neurorehabilitation, this innovative, FDA-approved therapy is offering new hope to stroke survivors in the St. Louis region who want to do more on their own—from daily tasks to favorite activities once thought out of reach.
“This is a message of hope,” says Dr. Alexandre Carter, WashU Medicine neurologist specializing in neurorehabilitation. By pairing VNS with therapy, patients can push past what was once considered a permanent plateau.
Interested in learning whether you or a loved one may be a candidate? Call 314-362-7382 to make an appointment with a WashU Medicine stroke specialist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
Learn more about comprehensive stroke care at BJC HealthCare: bjc.org/specialties-services/neurosciences/stroke
