• The annual publication volume on vagus nerve stimulation in stroke rehabilitation has shown an overall upward trend from 2012 to 2025, with China leading in the number of publications.
• Research hotspots include stroke, upper limb function, neuroplasticity, and neuroprotective effects, with burst keywords emphasizing motor function and cortical plasticity.
• Domestic research teams and institutions are more dispersed with less collaboration compared to international counterparts, indicating a need for enhanced cooperation.
• Future research directions may focus on non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation and combined rehabilitation approaches, along with mechanistic studies.