Close-up of a microchip

Texas Biomedical Device Center

We develop technologies to prevent injuries, detect impairments, and restore quality of life lost due to neurological injuries and disease. Our center is committed to the development of affordable and innovative therapies and technologies.

Our researchers at the Texas Biomedical Device Center have developed a therapy to help neurological injury patients fully reengage in life. This therapy uses stimulation of the vagus nerve during rehabilitation to rewire neural circuits, dramatically improving recovery. We call this approach Targeted Plasticity Therapy (TPT). TxBDC researchers are at the forefront of investigations into neuroplasticity and its role in the development of a wide range of therapies for disorders including stroke (FDA approved), tinnitusspinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and peripheral nerve injury.

Targeted Plasticity Therapy has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of neurological injury and disease.

How does targeted plasticity therapy work?

Rehabilitation activates weak neural connections. Vagus nerve stimulation releases chemicals in the brain that strengthen the active neural connections. By pairing rehabilitation with vagus nerve stimulation we can strengthen specific neural connections. In doing so, we rewire the brain and enhance recovery.

ACTIVATE: Rehabilitation activates weak neural connections.
RELEASE: Vagus nerve stimulation releases neuromodulators.
REWIRE: Neuromodulators rewire neural connections.
RECOVER: Strengthened neural connections enhance recovery.

This figure shows Targeted Plasticity Therapy significantly enhances recovery following ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and peripheral nerve injury compared to rehabilitation alone.

Targeted Plasticity Therapy can improve function irrespective of the type of injury. This figure shows Targeted Plasticity Therapy significantly enhances recovery following ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and peripheral nerve injury compared to rehabilitation alone. Read more about our research.

TxBDC icon that reads: Prevention, Detection and Repair.
Lightning bolt icon with a heading that reads: Wireless Vagus Nerve Stimulator

for PTSD

ReThink technology activates vagus nerve stimulation during exposure therapy to reduce the fear response in PTSD patients. The patient uses a smartphone app to listen to weekly recorded therapy sessions while receiving vagus nerve stimulation from the comfort of home.

VIDEO: ReThink Technology for PTSD

for Upper Limb Recovery

RePlay technology guides recovery of hand function after a brain or spinal cord injury. This therapy, which can also be done at home, allows patients to play fun and engaging video games that become more challenging as they improve. Hand movements are monitored as patients play the games, triggering stimulation of the vagus nerve. 

VIDEO: RePlay Technology for SCI

for Lower Limb Recovery

RePair technology guides the recovery of leg movements after a brain or spinal cord injury. The patient wears sensors on their legs to monitor movements and trigger the vagus nerve stimulator. This technology allows patients to improve leg movement using an app on their smartphone during normal daily activities. 

VIDEO: RePair Technology

for Tinnitus

ReLief technology treats tinnitus by playing sounds paired with vagus nerve stimulation. Tinnitus can be caused by hyperactive areas in the brain, which can generate the perception of sound. By pairing sounds above and below the tinnitus frequency with vagus nerve stimulation we are able to shrink the hyperactive part of the brain. 

VIDEO: ReLief Technology for Tinnitus

Colorful illustration of a brain with color coding to demonstrate what each part of the brain controls.

Unlimited Possibilities with TPT

This therapeutic platform has transformative potential to treat a vast range of neurological disorders.