Cheryl Smithgall, a Frankfort resident who suffered a stroke nearly eight years ago, has seen improvement in her arm function after undergoing Vivistim Paired Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Therapy at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab at Silver Cross Hospital, according to an April 17 announcement.
The therapy is significant for stroke survivors who continue to experience limited mobility despite traditional rehabilitation. Smithgall’s case highlights how new technology and dedicated occupational therapy can help patients regain abilities lost due to stroke.
Smithgall was brought to Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox after collapsing during a walk with her husband, Scott. Despite being left with apraxia, aphasia and partial paralysis on one side of her body, she continued daily activities but missed some functions such as playing piano or waving while driving. After learning about Vivistim Therapy—approved by the Food and Drug Administration in August 2021—she underwent an implant procedure that delivers gentle pulses to the vagus nerve while performing specific tasks during occupational therapy sessions.
Deborah Jacob-Maas, Smithgall’s occupational therapist at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, said: “Cheryl didn’t have much function of her right arm and hand.” Jacob-Maas described the process: “I would have her try to unscrew a cap from Chapstick… Every 3 to 5 seconds, I would activate the Vivistim to retrain those nerves.” She added praise for Smithgall’s focus and dedication: “She has such wonderful focus when we’re doing the exercises. And very importantly, she follows through at home with the exercises.”
Smithgall noticed weekly improvements following intense therapy sessions. “I have improved with picking up objects with my affected arm and moving them from one place to another,” she said. While acknowledging ongoing challenges opening her right hand fully, she remains optimistic about further progress through continued home exercises and additional support from Dr. Ross Coolidge of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Jacob-Maas acknowledged that recovery can be slow but credited Smithgall’s perseverance: “It’s natural for people to get discouraged… But Cheryl does not give up.” In return, Smithgall praised Jacob-Maas as “an amazing therapist” who looks beyond just physical symptoms.
Looking ahead, Smithgall plans multiple daily self-activated therapy exercises using the Vivistim magnet at home alongside training with an exercise physiologist and continued occupational therapy.
