MicroTransponder is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 11243. The Live activity format is offered at .6 CEUs, Introductory Level, Occupational Therapy Service Delivery. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA or indicate AOTA approval of a certification or other professional recognition.


Course Overview

This course will introduce you to the science and implementation of vagus nerve stimulation for individuals suffering from chronic UE deficits following stroke. We will review the evidence-based interventions that will drive neuroplastic change resulting in improved upper limb recovery and occupational performance following stroke. We will use lecture, small group discussion, hands-on practice, and case-based learning techniques.

The live class is intended for medical professionals (e.g. OT/OTA, PT/PTA, Physicians, etc.) directly related to the neuro recovery of a patient or client. To participate in this course and receive a certificate, the participant must be a licensed, treating clinician. Following successful completion of the course and a ≥ 80% score on the quiz, learners will receive a certificate.

Resources will be provided for you to take back to your practice to help you deliver salient, task-based therapy to all of your neuro patients. 

We look forward to seeing you at this live event! 


Course curriculum

    1. Overview

    2. Learning Outcomes

    3. Course Resources

    4. Lecture and Small Group

    5. Course Review

    6. Quiz

    7. Course Feedback

About this course

  • 6 Contact Hours / .6 CEUs
  • Live Lecture Format
  • Small Group Discussion

Learning Outcomes

  • Recall the key principles of neuroplasticity.

  • List 4 clinical impairments that are commonly seen following stroke.

  • Describe the neuroscientific principles and research findings of electrical nerve stimulation, including paired VNS, in people with chronic stroke.

  • Describe how electrical nerve stimulation can improve functional recovery for better engagement in ADLs/IADLs.

  • Identify appropriate activities for task-specific training interventions while using paired VNS based on patient’s specific presentations.

Instructor(s)

Amanda Saylor

OTR/L, CNS, CBIS

Amanda is an occupational therapist with 7 years working in outpatient neurological rehab; she is a certified brain injury specialist, a certified neurological specialist and certified in LSVT BIG. Amanda is the Lead OT for AdventHealth's outpatient neurological clinics across central Florida where she is able to train and educate her team on evidence-based practices for their diverse patient population. She led the development of the Vivistim Therapy Rehab program across 11 of AdventHealth's clinics and has personally worked with 10 Vivistim patients. Amanda's greatest passion is improving the functional use of a hemiplegic upper extremity post-stroke and she is excited to share her experience and build awareness of Vivistim as an option to maximize these individuals' potential.

Kelsey Harris

PT, DPT, CSRS

Kelsey graduated from Duquesne University’s Physical Therapy program in 2016 and immediately found her passion working with individuals with complex neurologic conditions while working on an inpatient rehabilitation unit. Through her experiences, Kelsey realized that the key to successfully treating stroke, brain injury and spinal cord injury survivors required a holistic approach, individualized treatments plans, and providing treatment in the survivor’s own environment to allow for the best recovery. Based on this philosophy and passion, she founded her own company in 2021. NeuroAxis Rehabilitation Services is designed as a mobile, outpatient neurological company provide the specialized outpatient therapy she believed was missing from the current healthcare paradigm. In 2022, she also founded the non-profit organization, Empowering Hope. This organization addresses the lack of support provided to the families and caregivers of those with neurological conditions. Kelsey currently employs over 19 Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, and Mental Health providers who share her holistic treatment philosophy. Kelsey also serves as an adjunct professor for Duquesne University’s Physical Therapy Program.

Cancellations/Accommodations/Disclosures

  • Extra Accommodations

    Please provide extra accommodation requests via email to [email protected] explaining what you require to participate in the course(s) of your choosing. We will do our best to accommodate you.

  • Disclosures

    Sponsor Disclosure: This Course is provided by MicroTransponder. Financial Disclosure: Speakers received an honorarium for this course. Non-Financial Disclosure: No relevant non-financial relationship to disclose.

  • Cancellations

    If Microtransponder decides to cancel this course, for whatever reason, a notification will be sent to the original email used for participation in this course. If the participant would like to cancel their participation, please provide an email to [email protected]. A full refund will be provided for any fee-based courses.