Amanda James-Hammett, 37 at the time, had a stroke while doing the dishes at home, resulting in the loss of speech and right arm movement. She has since participated in a nationwide NHS trial testing a new at-home device.
The trial, known as the Triceps trial, is being led by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with the University of Sheffield, according to the BBC. Researchers aim to recruit around 270 people for the £2m study.
Dr Sheharyar Baig, a neurologist at Sheffield's Royal Hallamshire Hospital, says stroke is the leading cause of adult-onset disability in the UK, affecting about 100,000 people a year. More than a million people live with its long-term effects, with around half experiencing ongoing arm weakness.
Trial Details
Participants in the Triceps trial use a small electrical device that stimulates the vagus nerve while carrying out rehabilitation exercises. Amanda used the device for up to an hour a day as part of her rehab over 12 weeks, combining it with exercises and everyday tasks.
So far, more than 200 people have taken part in the trial. While researchers do not yet know who is receiving active stimulation and who is receiving placebo, they say early signs are promising, with some wonderful improvements in people's arm function.
Response and Future
Dr Baig stresses the treatment is not a cure but something they hope will help people in everyday life. The results of the Triceps trial are also being closely monitored by the Stroke Association, which is part-funding the research.
Amanda says the device has given her freedom back, allowing her to regain independence in everyday tasks such as sewing and dressing. For her, the impact is already clear, with small things making a big difference.
