Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method for improving functional recovery after cerebro-vascular accidents, such as strokes, in humans and animals comprises stimulating a cranial nerve with electrical current. According to some embodiments, a method for improving functional recovery after stroke in a human or animal in need thereof comprises applying to the cranial nerve of the human or animal a stimulating electrical signal that causes neurophysiological, morphological, chemical, or neuronal connective alteration in the brain, where the alteration changes neural function in the brain so as to change functional recovery and functional dynamics in the human or animal. According to some embodiments, a method for improving functional recovery after stroke in a human or animal in need thereof comprises applying to a first cranial nerve a first stimulating electrical signal optimized so as to promote stroke recovery.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, the present invention provides a device, system, and methods for treating a plurality of conditions in a patient, where the device, system, and methods provide a stimulation signal for each condition, wherein each stimulation signal has one or more of polarity, direction, and pulse patterns selected for the respective condition. According to some embodiments, the conditions comprise congestive heart failure and stroke.