Neural Noise

UConn Health Neuromodulation Center of Excellence for Veterans

2 min read

  • UConn Health launched a Neuromodulation Center of Excellence for Veterans (UConn Today).1
  • The center signals institutional investment in stimulation therapies.1
  • The launch is decision-useful for clinical adoption and veteran care.1 1

Gardner updates

  • UConn Health launched a Neuromodulation Center of Excellence for Veterans, signaling institutional investment in stimulation therapies and clinical adoption (UConn Today, tier-1). 1

Weekly enrichment (2026-07-20)

  • UConn Health hosted the Neuromodulation Center of Excellence for Veterans launch celebration on July 2, 2026 at UConn John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington, attended by Gov. Ned Lamont and Sen. Richard Blumenthal.2
  • The center is the first of its kind in Connecticut and expects to treat its first veterans later in summer 2026.3
  • Its flagship therapy is the FDA-approved Vivistim device, a pacemaker-like implant delivering vagus nerve stimulation timed with occupational and physical therapy to help stroke survivors rebuild brain connections controlling the arms and hands.4
  • More than 35 patients have received Vivistim implants at UConn Health since neurosurgeon Dr. Christopher Conner introduced the program about a year earlier.4
  • The program was seeded with $2 million in Connecticut state funding from the 2025 budget, championed by State Rep. Henry Genga, State Sen. Cathy Osten, and the Veterans with Disabilities Task Force.2
  • That $2M grant will fund roughly 10 additional implants; Vivistim surgery is performed at UConn Health while the ongoing rehabilitation therapy is delivered by Hartford HealthCare.4
  • Sen. Blumenthal said he is seeking $80 million in federal funding to expand the center and broaden Vivistim access.4
  • Beyond stroke, the center is exploring vagus nerve stimulation for chronic pain, PTSD, mobility impairment, and addiction, positioning Connecticut as a national leader in neuromodulation.3

Footnotes

  1. https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMimwFBVV95cUxQck9UNE5LU0g5WlZQYWZpaWRWQmdaSWE5SmlGaE95LUV4cFp2LXNDT3dwZlBrbFpFVEFYb1IwREplNXBvb2hzNV9vckcyRXBjdVdPS20tUnVhZFZsb0JkMmFpa3JQTlJGNkN2bEl5ZVY4Q2hiTkk2TEVQS19RYWlRRGJHR25rS0NGdlB6LTFTbUo5aFNnZzFZRjNrNA?oc=5 ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5

  2. https://today.uconn.edu/2026/07/veterans-and-uconn-work-for-access-to-advanced-stroke-rehab/ ↩ ↩2

  3. https://www.wshu.org/connecticut-news/2026-07-03/ct-medical-treatment-veterans-uconn-health ↩ ↩2

  4. https://www.newstimes.com/business/article/uconn-health-veterans-healthcare-stroke-22329982.php ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

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