Kyle Severson has lived with the effects of strokes for most of his life.

He had a series of strokes and aneurysms at age 12. For about 20 years, he couldn’t use his left arm. Now, after becoming UCHealth’s first patient to receive a vagus nerve stimulation implant for stroke rehabilitation, Kyle has regained some use of his arm and works every day to improve his movement.

Vagus nerve stimulation pairs an implanted device with rehabilitation therapy. The device stimulates the vagus nerve while the patient practices movements during therapy. The combination is designed to promote neuroplasticity, helping the brain form and strengthen connections involved in movement.

For people who have experienced an ischemic stroke, one of the most significant aspects of the therapy is that treatment may be an option even years after the stroke.

“People could be really far out from their stroke — five years, 10 years, 20 years — and still be a potential candidate,” said Dr. Delia Bakeman, Kyle’s neuropsychiatrist.

Kyle also played an important role in bringing the treatment to Colorado. He approached Bakeman about vagus nerve stimulation, and together they advocated to build the program at UCHealth.

Since the program launched in August 2025, at least 14 patients have received implants, and the team aims to treat at least two patients each month.

This UCHealth video was created by Sonya Doctorian in September 2026.