Arizona man using Banner Health device to help with stroke recovery
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Eighty-year-old Bob Greenspun has been navigating the challenges of stroke recovery for the past two years.
“It kind of came out of nowhere,” he said. “I tell people today, aside from a stroke, I’m in pretty good health.”
Greenspun’s journey began one summer day in 2022 when he experienced fatigue in his left leg during a bike ride.
I thought I overdid it on the bike ride, so I decided to sleep and see what happens the next day.” Unfortunately, the next morning, he also noticed weakness in his left arm.
The stroke impacted the right side of his brain, leading to a significant loss of function in his left arm and leg. “Being stable in the shower is a huge issue. Balance is a huge issue. Mostly getting the left arm under control,” he said.
With the help of groundbreaking technology known as Vivistim, Greenspun said his recovery has been much better.
This device stimulates the Vagus nerve, which helps increase motor function in the hands and arms.
“It sends signals up into the brain and helps generate new pathways to strengthen the function that is there,” said Banner Health neurosurgeon Dr. Robert Bina.
Since beginning treatment with Vivistim, Bob and his doctors have observed significant improvements.
“The most recent I’ve been told is that my walking has come back about 75%, and my arm is less than that, around 60%,” he said.
For many patients like Greenspun, this simple yet effective device can be life-changing, providing a pathway to regain mobility and independence.
“Everybody’s different, but for me, both emotionally and physically, recovery has been incredible,” Greenspun said.
The Vivistim is available to patients who may have upper body dysfunction. For more information, call 602-521-3550.
See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it.
Do you have a photo or video of a breaking news story? Send it to us here with a brief description.
Copyright 2024 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.
