Paired Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Chronic UE Deficits Following Stroke
June 28, 2025 - Manhattan Beach, CA
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
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Overview
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Learning Outcomes
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Course Resources
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Lecture and Small Group
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Course Review
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Quiz
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Course Feedback
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About this course
- 6 Contact Hours / .6 CEUs
- Live Lecture Format
- Small Group Discussion
Learning Outcomes
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Recall the key principles of neuroplasticity.
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List 4 clinical impairments that are commonly seen following stroke.
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Describe the neuroscientific principles and research findings of electrical nerve stimulation, including paired VNS, in people with chronic stroke.
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Describe how electrical nerve stimulation can improve functional recovery for better engagement in ADLs/IADLs.
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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 Saylor is an occupational therapist specialized in neurological rehab; she is a certified brain injury specialist and a certified neurological specialist. Amanda previously worked as the Lead Occupational Therapist for AdventHealth's outpatient neurological clinics across central Florida, where she led the development of their Vivistim program. Amanda personally worked with over 25 Vivistim patients during her time with AdventHealth and with this experience she delivered numerous CEU courses on best practices for pairing therapy with Vivistim. In 2025, Amanda joined the MicroTransponder team in professional education, continuing her passion for training clinicians and advancing outcomes for individuals living with chronic stroke.
Michael Lyons
OTR/L
Michael Lyons is an Occupational Therapist with 7 years of clinical experience across neurorehabilitation, mental health, and pediatrics. He is currently a Therapy Development Specialist at MicroTransponder, where he supports awareness, adoption, and training on Vivistim Paired VNS Therapy for post-stroke recovery. Michael’s background includes working with adults and adolescents recovering from stroke, brain injury, and other neurological conditions in acute care, inpatient rehab, and home health settings. He’s also worked in mental health and therapeutic school environments, giving him a unique, whole-person lens on care, behavior, and the systems that work.