VA Center of Excellence in Functional Electrical Stimulation

FES for Stroke

When a stroke occurs, the area of the brain that generates signals for movement, swallowing, speech and other fundamental tasks, could sustain damage. This damage can result in an interruption of intended signals. The result for many individuals is that the desired function does not occur and an undesired function, such as spasticity, does.

Using electricity to stimulate and control a part of the body is known as Functional Electrical Stimulation or FES. It is also called Functional Neural Stimulation or FNS.The FES research for the rehabilitation of stroke survivors can be segmented into two primary categories: temporary therapies to improve recovery and replacing functions that cannot be recovered.

Led by committed clinicians and scientists, the Stroke Recovery Program focuses on applying both FES interventions and traditional treatments to produce the greatest functional gains.

The programs of the Cleveland FES Center illustrate the breadth and depth of the technology being used to make a difference in the everyday life of people with disabilities.

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VA Center of Excellence in Functional Electrical Stimulation