New device helping people recover from strokes at Allied Services
- Category: News, Media, Stroke Recovery
- Posted On:
- Written By: Allied Services Integrated Health
Stroke survivor Trudy Coleman has recovered well with the assistance of a device implanted in her that stimulates her nerves.
The Kingston woman suffered a stroke while in her yard in October 2023, which affected her upper extremities.
During her rehabilitation at Allied Services in Wilkes-Barre Twp., she was introduced to the Vivistim system, a pacemaker-like device implanted in her chest that has helped her regain significant function.
The technology has led to a dramatic recovery for the 73-year-old who lives alone with her two dogs.
“She is so much more independent now and it’s exciting to see,” said Rebecca Carr, an occupational therapist and representative of Vivistim.
Carr and others from Vivistim visited Allied on Friday for one of Coleman’s therapy sessions as part of Stroke Awareness Month. The company claims the Vivistim system is a “first-of-its-kind breakthrough technology” approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2021.
Coleman visits Allied several times a week and works to improve upper extremity function with an occupational therapist. She performs simple tasks like picking up items by clasping her fingers or signing her name to checks. She also draws and paints, two of her passions.
“This would have been impossible a year ago,” said Coleman’s occupational therapist Lori Ackerman.
During therapy sessions, Ackerman clicks a device linked to the Vivistim system, which stimulates Coleman’s nerves. Initially, Coleman felt a “ping” with each click, but now she hardly feels anything at all.
Coleman also has a magnet she wears on a necklace that she swipes over the device when she is home and not in therapy to keep her nerves functioning.
The device has even allowed her to start driving again. Unfortunately, the device isn’t able to help with her speech.
“I wish it would improve my speech. It’s a little slurred, but I can deal with that,” Coleman said. “I’m 85% better.”
Originally Published: May 16, 2025 at 3:19 PM EDT
