FNI

Vagus and Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Anatomy

Principal Investigator: Dustin Tyler, Ph.D.

Staff/Students:

Funding Agencies: VA RR&D; NIH / NIBIB, NINDS

Description

The purpose of this research is to determine the organization of the nerves of the arm and hand as well as the vagus nerve. Our work is to provide identification and definitive information via cross-sectioning and histological analysis of these human nerves at varying levels along their pathways. The goal of our work is to provide information regarding nerve organization to support a database accessible to researchers interested in determining how and why nerves function as they do and what areas of these nerves control what aspects of function (sensory and motoric). Utimately, awareness and knowledge regarding the organization of these pathways will help with treatment of through possible reinnervation via therapeutic techniques such as implanted and functional electrical stimulation devices.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the nerves of the arm and hand has devastating effects on the function of these areas. Damage to the vagus nerve can cause a myriad of problems, including voice and swallowing dysfunction and deficits. Current treatment options provide limited return to optimal functioning as they often focus on muscular function and gross versus finite movements. Reinnervation and stimulation of these nerves at the appropriate/target levels can provide a return to functioning and impact movement, nutrition, hydration and ultimately improve quality of life for individuals with injuries due to neurological event, trauma and surgical complications.