An emerging approach to stroke recovery involves an outpatient neurosurgical procedure that implants a device capable of stimulating a nerve found to be central to the brain's ability to learn. Dr. Christopher Conner in UConn Health's Brain and Spine Institute is the first neurosurgeon in Connecticut to implant this device, which can make the brain more receptive to intensive occupational therapy. Dr. Conner explains vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and describes its early success.

(November 2024, Dr. Christopher Conner, Carolyn Pennington, Chris DeFrancesco)

Dr. Christopher Conner https://health.uconn.edu/find-a-provider/physician/Conner-Christopher

Connecticut's 1st VNS device implant (UConn Today, May 2024) https://today.uconn.edu/2024/05/first-in-connecticut-ischemic-stroke-survivors-have-renewed-hope-with-the-vagus-nurve-stimulation-device-now-available-at-uconn-health/

Treating movement disorders with deep brain stimulation (UConn Today, May 2024) https://today.uconn.edu/2024/05/deep-brain-stimulation-changing-the-quality-of-life-for-those-with-parkinsons-disease/

UConn Health Brain and Spine Institute https://health.uconn.edu/brain-and-spine-institute/

UConn Health Stroke Center https://health.uconn.edu/stroke-center/

UConn Health Neurology Deep Brain Stimulation Program https://health.uconn.edu/neurology/clinical-services/movement-disorders/parkinsons-disease/

UConn Health Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center https://health.uconn.edu/parkinsons/

It takes expertise across many specialties to earn a designation as a Center of Excellence from the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. UConn Health has earned that designation. From UConn Health's Huntington’s Disease Program, Dr. Shakaib Khan, medical director, and nurse practitioner Robin Zingales-Browne describe what goes into providing care and support for those with Huntington’s Disease and their families. Plus, learn about Huntington’s Disease Education Day, taking place at UConn Health Oct. 26.

(Robin Zingales-Browne, Dr. Shakaib Khan, Carolyn Pennington, Chris DeFrancesco, October 2024).

2024 Huntington’s Disease Education Day, Oct. 26, 2024 https://connecticut.hdsa.org/events/2024-huntington-s-disease-education-day-farmington-ct

Huntington’s Disease Center of Excellence in Connecticut Designated at UConn Health https://today.uconn.edu/2024/03/huntingtons-disease-center-of-excellence-in-connecticut-designated-at-uconn-health/

Enroll-HD Study https://health.uconn.edu/psychiatry/research/research-studies/#fl-accordion-606dfb3f99d42-tab-4

Huntington’s Disease Program at UConn Health https://health.uconn.edu/psychiatry/areas-of-care/adult/huntingtons-disease-program/

Dr. Shakaib Khan http://health.uconn.edu/find-a-provider/physician/Khan-Shakaib

Robin Zingales-Browne http://health.uconn.edu/find-a-provider/physician/Browne-Robin

Whether it's cold or flu, COVID or RSV, get ready for what seems like a growing number of respiratory illnesses this fall and winter. How do we recognize them, how do we react to symptoms, how do we treat them, and how can we reduce their likelihood in the first place? We ask UConn Health infectious diseases experts Nancy Dupont and Dr. David Banach that and more.

(September 2024, Nancy Dupont, Dr. David Banach, Carolyn Pennington, Chris DeFrancesco)

UConn Health Infectious Diseases Division https://health.uconn.edu/infectious-diseases/

Proper hand-washing demonstration by Nancy Dupont, UConn Health nursing director of epidemiology and infection control https://youtu.be/UaPSP8rhmCw

Dr. David Banach, UConn Health hospital epidemiologist https://health.uconn.edu/find-a-provider/physician/Banach-David

CDC information for the 2024-2025 flu season https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2024-2025.htm

CDC information for COVID-19 https://www.cdc.gov/covid

CDC information for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/