The vagus nerve ensures the smooth functioning of vital organs. If its functioning is disrupted, a failure occurs in the activity of the main systems and a fatal outcome is possible. Timely detected symptoms of abnormalities in the work of nerve cells and correctly started treatment will avoid the development of serious pathologies.
12 paired nerves emanate from the cranium. Through them, signals that regulate the activity of certain organs come from the brain. The vagus nerve (the medical name for the vagus) is pair 10.
It passes through the cervical region into the chest and further into the abdomen. It transmits impulses to the organs that ensure the vital activity of the body. In case of violation of signal transmission, a failure occurs in the activity of these systems (cardiovascular, pulmonary, digestive).
Anatomy and function
The vagus nerve (symptoms and treatment are related to how much of the nerve cells are damaged) consists of 3 types of nerve fibers:
- vegetative. They ensure the smooth operation of systems and organs. Especially during the rest period;
- sensitive. Participate in the transfer of information from the brain to the organ and vice versa;
- motor. Participate in the contraction of certain muscle groups.
Stable activity of the vagus nerve is ensured with the normal functioning of all fibers.
1. Head:
- supplies nerve impulses to the dura mater of the brain;
- responsible for hearing and taste;
- regulates the process of sweating.
2. Cervical:
- provides a swallowing reflex when eating or excessive salivation;
- nerve cells regulate the functioning of the tongue and larynx for the formation of speech;
- are responsible for the activity of the thyroid gland;
- in case of poisoning, it provokes the development of the gag reflex.
3. Pectoral:
- regulate heart contractions;
- normalize the respiratory process;
- provides a cough reflex for the removal of excess sputum and infection during the period of illness.
4. Abdominal:
- ensures the activity of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, liver, pancreas);
- signals about satiety when eating.
The main activity of cells of the vagus nerve is observed during the period of night rest.
Reasons for the appearance
Normal transmission of impulses along the vagus nerve ensures the stable activity of important organs.
Dysfunction of the vagus can develop in the presence of the following reasons and factors:
It is impossible to exclude all the causes provoking a violation of the activity of the vagus nerve. Therefore, it is important to know the main symptoms of pathology, since a failure in the transmission of impulses can be fatal.
Symptoms
The vagus nerve (symptoms and treatment depend on the type of pathology and the cause of the development of the disease) stops functioning normally with the development of an inflammatory process or severe irritation of cells. Violation of the activity of the vagus provokes a change in the performance of organs in any of the 4 departments or in several at once.
Inflammation of the vagus nerve (neuralgia)
When nerve cells are damaged by the inflammatory process, the symptomatology depends on which department was affected and can manifest itself in the following symptoms. 
| Place of localization of inflammation | Symptoms of pathology |
| Head | Sudden and unreasonable appearance of severe headaches and dizziness |
| Feeling of discomfort in the ear area | |
| Decreased hearing quality | |
| Neck | Swallowing reflex disorder, feeling of stuck food in the throat |
| Impaired speech, possible hoarseness | |
| Deterioration of the breathing process | |
| Breast | Chest pain and discomfort |
| Violation of the rhythm of breathing and cough reflex | |
| Irregular contractions of the main heart muscle | |
| Peritoneum | Discomfort and discomfort in the abdominal region |
| Sudden gagging or hiccups | |
| Lack of stool or diarrhea |
Since there is an inflammatory process in the body, an increase in temperature indicators, general weakness and malaise is possible.
Vagus nerve irritation (neurasthenia)
Irritation of the cells of the vagus nerve develops as a result of constriction of any of its sections (trauma, compression by a tumor).
Signs of a pinched vagus nerve cells:
The appearance of attacks of suffocation and voluntary withdrawal of urine are possible. After the stress is removed, the activity of the organs is stabilized.
Disorders of autonomic innervation (angioneuroses)
With severe stress, also under the influence of toxins or potent medications, a disorder of signal transmission from the brain to the organ can develop.
This pathology is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- frequent dizziness;
- impaired hearing quality;
- psychological disorder (apathy, lethargy, depression);
- violation of the rhythm of the heart and respiration;
- lowering the pressure indicator.
During the period of night rest, the symptoms intensify.
Diagnostics of the vagus nerve
Symptoms of inflammation, disorder, or irritation of the vagus nerve are confirmed after diagnosis. Only after a complete examination by a neurologist, treatment is prescribed.
Inspection stages:
1. Verbal collection of information:
2. Visual examination of the patient:
- checking the quality of hearing;
- determining the correct pronunciation of words or the presence of nasal sounds;
- examination of the oral cavity. When the nerve is damaged, the palate sags, and the uvula takes an unnatural position;
- checking the swallowing reflex (the patient must take a sip of water) and coughing (it occurs when the liquid is swallowed).
3. Additional examination:
- laryngoscopy. Examination of the condition of the larynx;
- Magnetic resonance imaging. Allows you to identify tumor formations;
- radiography. To determine the condition of the tissues of the pulmonary system;
- electrocardiogram. To exclude pathologies of the heart;
- ultrasonography. It is carried out if there is a suspicion of the presence of diseases of the digestive tract.
If necessary, the examination is carried out in conjunction with a cardiologist, gastroenterologist and ENT specialist.
Stimulation methods
In the presence of factors provoking the development of pathologies of the vagus nerve and for preventive purposes, it is prescribed to stimulate the normal performance of cells.
Additionally, it is recommended to consume healthy food that does not disrupt the microflora in the digestive tract. And to periodically cleanse the body of toxins and toxins (medication or using folk methods).
Traditional treatments for inflammation
To restore the activity of the vagus, specialists prescribe drugs to eliminate the root cause of the pathology (elimination of infection, tumor, relieving nervous tension).
The following procedures can also be assigned:
- cleansing the blood. Especially with severe toxin poisoning;
- exposure to currents on the affected area;
- relaxing massages;
- sometimes surgery is required to eliminate the root cause of the disease;
- for severe lesions of the vagus nerve, temporary freezing is used.
With congenital abnormalities in the functioning of the vagus, the installation of a pacemaker is required. Otherwise, the patient may die of cardiac arrest.
Symptomatic treatment
The vagus nerve (symptoms and treatment are specified by a specialist after an examination) restores the passage of impulses after undergoing complex therapy to eliminate the root cause.
Types and names of drugs used in therapy:
| The name of the drugs and the form of their release | Age restrictions | Admission rules and course of treatment | Notes (edit) |
Hormonal agents are prescribed to eliminate the inflammation process |
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| Prednisolone (tablets) | In childhood, use only under the supervision of a specialist | For adults up to 30 mg per day. For children up to 2 mg per day. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor. | The drug is also available in the form of an ointment (it is not used to eliminate this pathology) and in the form of a solution for injection. It is prescribed for severe forms of pathology. |
| Dexamethasone (tablets and injection) | Under 18 years old is not assigned | The course of treatment and dosage are prescribed individually, according to indications. | Has a large list of contraindications and side effects. Must be read prior to use. |
| Hydrocortisone (tablets and powder for solution for injection) | Approved for use after 12 years | Treatment is carried out under the supervision of a specialist. The dosage and course may vary according to the dynamics of therapy. | It is also produced in the form of cream and ointments. Not applicable for this treatment. |
Anxiety medications |
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| Valocordin (drops for oral administration) | After 18 years | 20 drops 3 times a day. The duration of treatment is selected individually. | The drug affects the work of the heart. Reduces the pressure indicator. |
| Nervoflux (tea) | The possibility of use in childhood is discussed with the attending specialist | Steam 1 sachet in 150 ml of water. Consume 3 times a day. The duration of therapy is set individually. | Has a natural composition. Contraindications, possible allergic reaction. |
| Alora (syrup, tablets) | After 3 years as a syrup. After 12 years in pill form | Take 1 tablet 3 times a day. The dosage of the syrup is made according to age. The course of therapy is established according to the dynamics of treatment. | Additionally, it helps to eliminate spasms and pain symptoms. |
To normalize digestion and reduce gastric acid production |
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| Proserin (granules and solution for injection) | In childhood, it is recommended to use it orally in the form of granules (they can be dissolved in water). | ||
| Neuromidine (tablets and injection) | After 14 years | 1 tablet 3 times a day for at least 14 days and no more than 60 days. The dosage of the solution is selected individually. | Injections are used for severe pathologies. |
| Pancreatin (tablets) | No age restrictions | 1-2 tablets 1-2 times a day. The course is selected according to the dynamics of treatment. | In childhood, the tablet is recommended to be crushed and mixed with water. |
Vitamin complexes with vitamin "B" in the composition |
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| Milgamma (solution for injection) | After 18 years | Intramuscularly, 2 ml is injected once a day for 10 days. | The drug is administered only by medical personnel. Not recommended at home. |
| Neuromultivitis (tablets) | After 12 years | Take 1 tablet 3 times a day for no more than 4 weeks. | Contains low-toxic components, therefore it is taken under the supervision of a specialist. |
| Pentovit (tablets) | After 12 years | Take 2-4 tablets 3 times a day. Duration 3-4 weeks. | If necessary, it can be prescribed in childhood, under the supervision of a physician. The dosage is selected individually. |
To eliminate an allergic reaction |
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| Diphenhydramine (tablets and injection) | In childhood, the use is not recommended | The tablets are taken 3 times a day for 15 days. The dosage is selected individually. | Injections are prescribed for severe forms of pathology. |
| Suprastin (tablets and solution for injection) | After 3 years | 1 tablet 2 times a day. | In the form of injections, it is used for severe allergies. Long-term use of the drug is contraindicated. It is used for a one-time elimination of an allergic reaction. |
| Zodak (tablets, syrup, drops) | Pills after 6 years. Syrup after 2 years. Drops after a year. | The dosage and course are selected individually. | Allowed long-term use of funds up to 60 days. |
Sorbents are used to remove toxins |
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| Polysorb (powder) | Has no age limit | The dosage is selected according to the weight category. The course of admission is 10-14 days. | Longer use provokes the development of constipation. |
| Filtrum (tablets) | There is no age limit | Depending on age, ¼ or 3 tablets are prescribed 3 times a day. The course is 5-20 days. | May impair absorption of vitamins. |
| Smecta (powder) | From birth | The dosage is adjusted by weight. The duration of treatment is no more than 3 days. | Provokes the development of constipation. |
Anti-inflammatory drugs |
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| Meloxicam (tablets, suppositories and injection solution) | After 15 years | The dosage and course are selected according to the indications. | Disrupts the work of the digestive tract and nervous system. |
| Nise (gel, tablets) | After 5 years | The dosage can only be prescribed by a specialist. Cannot be used for more than 14 days. | The drug strongly disrupts the activity of the liver. Use only when indicated. Possesses high efficiency. |
Additionally, antiviral medications and antibiotics can be prescribed to eliminate the infection, if any. For treatment, use drugs prescribed by a doctor. It is prohibited to correct the course or change funds yourself.
Rehabilitation therapy
Nerve Strengthening Products
Together with medications, to restore the activity of the nervous system, it is recommended to use fresh vegetables and fruits containing vitamin "B". Especially citrus fruits, banana and tomatoes. Dark chocolate also improves mood.
Traditional methods of treatment: recipes for remedies
The vagus nerve (symptoms and treatment depend on the general condition of the patient and the form of the severity of the pathology) amenable to therapy using folk recipes.
Infusions and decoctions
Description of preparation and use of funds:
These products can be used while taking baths. It is required to add up to 1 liter of decoctions or infusions to the water.
Tinctures for treatment
Tinctures can be used only in the absence of contraindications. In childhood, the use is prohibited due to the alcohol content.
The composition of the tinctures:
- put 100 g of the mixture in 500 ml of vodka (mix the cyanosis root and peony thin-leaved in equal proportions). Apply 50 ml every 14 days. Frequency rate 3 times a day;
- put in 500 ml of white wine 25 g of linden blossom. Take after 14 days, 30 ml 3 times a day;
- put 50 g of thyme in 500 ml of white wine. Take after 7 days. Take by adding 10 drops of the product to milk. Multiplicity 4 times a day.
It is possible to combine the intake of these funds with medicines only after the permission of the attending specialist.
Soothing Scented Pillow
To normalize the activity of the vagus nerve at night, it is recommended to use an aroma pillow. You can also relax on it in the daytime. 
The pillow includes:
| Composition of herbs | Their brief description |
| Oregano | Facilitates the process of falling asleep, has a calming effect |
| Lavender | Normalizes the activity of the pulmonary system (evens out the rhythm of breathing). |
| Bay leaf | Has a calming effect and normalizes the functioning of the pulmonary system |
| Melissa | Used as a sedative in the composition. Possesses high efficiency |
| Mint | Activates the activity of the cells of the nervous system and normalizes the breathing process |
| chamomile | Has a sedative effect. Helps Eliminate Headaches |
| Thyme | Reduces headaches and normalizes the activity of cells in the nervous system |
| Hop cones | Facilitate the process of falling asleep and ensure sound sleep. |
In case of an allergic reaction to the components of the composition, the use of a pillow is prohibited. If the intolerance to only one plant, then it can be removed.
Complications and projections
With timely treatment, following the recommendations of a specialist and conducting methods of stimulating the activity of the vagus nerve, the disease is eliminated. In the absence of therapeutic measures, the activity of important organs, including the lungs and heart, is disrupted. With a severe course of pathology, a lethal outcome is possible. 
The vagus nerve regulates the functioning of the cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems. When it is inflamed, irritated or upset, symptoms of disruption of the activity of vital organs appear. To eliminate the pathology, a complete examination by a neurologist and adherence to complex treatment are required.
Article formatting: Mila Friedan
Vagus Nerve Videos
What is the vagus nerve:
Vagus fibers conduct impulses to the organs in the head region (innervate the larynx, palate and middle ear region), as well as the chest and abdominal cavity.
The main functions of the vagus nerve are associated with the work of the parasympathetic nervous system. What does it mean? - There are a couple of opposites in the human nervous system - the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Sympathetic- associated with the activation of the body, vigorous activity, aimed at increasing the speed of reactions, intensive production of hormones, prepares for running, for struggle.
Parasympathetic nervous system - prepares the body for relaxation, recuperation, digestion, sleep, sex and other activities associated with pleasure. Thus, the vagus nerve partly regulates a person's mood and sleep.
With chronic overexcitation of the nervous system, muscle hypertonia and similar conditions, dysfunction of the vagus nerve can be assumed.
Where is the vagus nerve located? - You can feel it yourself directly in the fossa under the earlobe.
Leaving the jugular foramen of the brain, the vagus descends along the lateral side of the neck as part of the neurovascular bundle together with the carotid artery and the internal jugular vein. Passes near the trachea and pharynx, innervating them. Further, the vagus passes into the chest cavity, its right branch goes next to the right subclavian artery, and the left one - in front of the aortic arch. Both branches approach the lower part of the esophagus, passing from it in front and behind, and regulate its functions. Further, through the opening of the diaphragm, both nerve fibers enter the abdominal cavity. They innervate the stomach. Then part of the fibers goes to the liver, part to the celiac (or solar) plexus. From the celiac plexus, fibers are suitable for all organs of the abdominal cavity, except for the lower colon and pelvic organs.
The vagus nerve contains fibers that are responsible for motor skills and sensing (mixed type), but all its activity is still associated with the autonomic nervous system - from the word "vegetable" - "vegetable" (something that cannot be controlled by consciousness) - in contrast somatic nervous system - from the word "soma" - "body" (we can consciously control the movement of muscles).
Dysfunction symptoms
Since the vagus nerve innervates the larynx, damage to it leads to problems with speech and uncomfortable swallowing, and loss of the gag reflex. Disruption of the gastrointestinal tract is also one of the manifestations of vagus dysfunction, manifests itself in loss of appetite, a feeling of satiety may occur after eating a small amount of food.
Reasons for defeat
One of the causes of damage to the vagus nerve is diabetes mellitus. The mechanism that destroys nerve fibers is not fully understood. Damage to and irritation of the vagus nerve can also be caused by injuries to the body, for example, during a car accident and others when the nerve is pinched. Surgical intervention can also affect the functioning of the nerve.
Exercises to stimulate the vagus nerve
Training:
- Sit upright in a chair with your hands folded in your lap.
- Place both feet on the floor and take a deep breath.
Neck area
- Extend your head as far as possible with the crown up and turn it to the left and right. Repeat this movement several times.
Lower jaw area
- Move your lower jaw, slowly opening and closing your mouth, moving it from side to side, back and forth. Feel the muscles in your jaw that can be sore if pulled. Do this exercise until you feel a little tired in the jaw.
Eyes
- Open and close your eyes. Look in different directions without moving your head - left and right, up and down. Alternately open your eyes wide and squint.
Muscles of the face
- Think back to your childhood, and within a few minutes "make faces", trying to use as many facial muscles as possible.
Middle ear
- Listen. Hear background sounds from the environment, such as the creaking of chairs, the sound of the tires of a car passing on the street, the chirping of birds, the sound of an elevator, the sound of a computer running, or the rustle of an air conditioner or fan.
Throat
- First, do a few "coughing" movements (as if something had entered the trachea), and then swallow saliva.
Larynx
- Start developing your voice, for example, you can hiss like a snake, or roar like a lion. The main thing is that these sounds lead to tension in the muscles of the larynx.
- Feel the vibration in the larynx, the vibrating sound should reach the diaphragm and spread throughout the abdomen.
Listen to how you are feeling, especially the feeling in your chest. Pay attention to every positive change, however small. With the daily performance of this complex, you will increase the tone of the vagus nerve and the whole body, revive the internal energy!
The vagus nerve is an extremely interesting structure. This nerve is not just a passive transmitter of nerve impulses. Its sensory and motor neurons work together, taking an active part in the regulation of a wide variety of processes that link together the work of the body and brain, human biology and psychology, health and dysfunction. We massage therapists and chiropractors are able to stimulate the vagus nerve with intelligent touch. How does this kind of stimulation affect the functioning of this nerve?
HANDYMAN
The active influence of the vagus nerve (or X pair of cranial nerves) on our well-being is:
-increasing stress resistance and accelerating recovery.
When stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline act on the vagus nerve, the motor neurons of its branches (Fig. 1) secrete the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (which was originally called "vagus substance", "vagustoff" from the Latin nervus vagus - vagus nerve), and such a hormone like oxytocin. Thus, it deactivates the sympathetic nervous system, helping to recover faster from stress.
- Control of inflammation and immunity.
The vagus nerve inhibits inflammation by releasing neurotransmitters in response to the detection of inflammatory markers such as cytokines and tumor necrosis markers. If this mechanism is disrupted, the development of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic pain is possible.
- Mood regulation
The vagus nerve is the most important link between the brain and the enteric nervous system, which regulates the smooth muscles of the internal organs. The intestine contains 100 million neurons, 30 neurotransmitters and 95 percent of all serotonin in the human body. The enteric nervous system sends a tremendous amount of information to the brain via sensory neurons. This information, in simple terms, regulates our mood and the course of mental processes. Vagus tone score (i.e., its responsiveness and effect on the heart) correlates with the likelihood of developing heart disease and diabetes, as well as emotional stability and levels of anxiety.
ELECTRIC STIMULATION OF THE VALUS NERVE
Vagus nerve stimulation is a procedure to implant an electrical pulse generator in the neck to continuously stimulate the vagus nerve. Despite the terrible word "implantation", EBN therapy is not a full-fledged surgical operation on the brain. Device implantation is a simple surgical procedure that requires only a short hospital stay. Electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve is performed by a pulse generator installed under the skin, under the left collarbone, or near the armpit. A small incision is made in the neck to attach two thin wires (electrodes) to the left vagus nerve. The wires are not visible from the outside. They run under the skin from the pulse generator to the vagus nerve in the neck.
EBN has been successfully used to treat epilepsy, migraine, and drug-resistant depression. Research is currently underway to study the effect of EBN on the condition of patients with anxiety disorders, Alzheimer's disease, fibromyalgia, obesity and tinitus.
However, EBN therapy is a very risky measure, implying the likelihood of complications (for example, infection). In addition, the long-term effect of EBN on the human body has not yet been studied.
Of course, there are other, less invasive and safer ways to stimulate the vagus nerve. For example, controlled breathing (with lengthening of the expiratory phase), meditation, special movements and relaxation of the tongue, for example, when singing and speaking (stimulation occurs due to the innervation of the larynx and tongue by the vagus nerve), facial gymnastics (facial expressions have a double connection with the function of the vagus nerve, motor and emotional), improving gut health, exercising and getting enough rest, and most importantly, reducing stress and anxiety.
However, from a pragmatic point of view of massage therapists and chiropractors, the following question often arises: "How can I influence this nerve through touch, and what will it lead to?"
VALUS NERVE AND HUMAN EAR
The human ear is the only place where the vagus nerve reaches the surface of the body (auricular, ear branch, Fig. 2). Transcutaneous stimulation of this branch can be used to treat a variety of diseases associated with the vagus nerve. In Europe, this method is used to treat epilepsy, migraine and chronic pain.
The auricular branch of the vagus nerve consists of sensory neurons, therefore, sensory stimulation of the parts of the ear innervated by the vagus nerve (Fig. 3) stimulates the activity of the vagus nerve. In most therapeutic cases, deactivation of the sympathetic nervous system is required. Gentle, gentle touches of medium intensity (Fig. 4) are most effective. A study of the effect of massage on the vagus nerve in infants has shown that this nerve responds better to moderate intensity than low or high intensity touch. For many clients, the inclusion in a session of working with ears may come as a surprise - first ask permission, explain the essence and purpose of your manipulations. 
Does manual therapy have a positive effect on the vagus nerve? Of course it is. Of course, the effect will be as pronounced and quick as with direct prolonged electrical stimulation, however, studies show that in this case, there is certainly a clinically significant effect on the tone of the vagus nerve. Understanding the function and structure of the vagus nerve stimulates your imagination and creativity as a therapist. Ear work is especially useful for headaches and temporomandibular joint dysfunction, due to the ability of the vagus nerve to relax both the body and the emotional component of a person.
TECHNIQUE OF WORKING WITH THE VALID NERVE(Illustrations - fig. 4, fig. 5) 
PURPOSE
Increasing the activity of the vagus nerve with gentle stimulation to increase sensitivity.
INDICATIONS FOR USE
Headache, migraine
Dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint.
Stress, anxiety, increased excitability of the sympathetic nervous system
Potentially beneficial in the treatment of tinnitus, mood disorders, digestive problems, immune system disorders and autoimmune diseases.
INSTRUCTIONS
Use gentle touch with moderate pressure or gentle traction on the pinna to sensitize the areas of the ear innervated by the vagus nerve.
For migraines and temporomandibular joint dysfunction, look for areas of sensitivity and use active jaw techniques.
VERBAL ASSISTANCE
"Exhale as slowly as possible, push all the air out of your lungs."
"Try to relax your tongue."
"Try humming your favorite song while keeping your neck and jaw relaxed."
With migraines:
"Rotate your eyeballs, alternately looking left and right."
With TMJ dysfunction:
"Open your mouth gently, trying to keep your lower jaw as far away from your ears as possible."
The human nervous system is a complex structure in the body. Its structure includes 12 pairs of cranial nerves. The vagus or vagus nerve is the longest. It runs from the brainstem to the abdominal cavity and regulates the intestines, affects the cardiovascular, immune, respiratory and endocrine systems. Any pathology of the vagus affects the general well-being and the work of individual organs.
If the vagus nerve is affected, symptoms of inflammation can range from dizziness to indigestion. Therefore, it is important to diagnose the disorder in a timely manner and to carry out the therapy correctly.
Types and causes of vagus nerve dysfunction
In medicine, there are two types of vagus disorder: overactive and depressed.
The causes of defeat can be:
Neoplasms (cyst, tumor)
Intoxication
Infections
Pinched nerve
Meningitis
Trauma and surgery
The vagus nerve: symptoms of various types of dysfunction
Damage to the vagus nerve manifests itself in different ways. Signs of inflammation are determined by the mechanism of development of the disease: neurasthenia, neuralgia, angioneurosis.
Symptoms of vagus neuralgia:
Difficulty breathing and swallowing
Unreasonable vomiting
Loss of balance
Angioneurosis of the vagus nerve is characterized by:
Arrhythmia
Hearing impairment
Signs of vagus neurasthenia:
Sore throat on one side
Sudden loss of consciousness
Endocrine hyperactivity
Increased secretion of gastric juice
Indigestion
Labored breathing
Urinary incontinence
Uncontrollable coughing fits
Sometimes the manifestations are not caused by dysfunction of the vagus, but by a change in its activity. The vagus nerve is responsible for the adaptation of the body to changes in the atmosphere, to emotional and physical stress.
How to Treat Vagus Nervous Disorders
With serious violations of the vagus, vital systems and organs are affected. Therefore, treatment should take place in a hospital under the supervision of doctors. Only after a complete examination and a final diagnosis, the specialist prescribes a therapeutic course.
Traditional medicine treats vagus nerve dysfunction with various methods:
Treatment of the underlying disease. If the defeat is provoked by infectious diseases, then antibacterial or antiviral drugs are prescribed. For tumors, an operation is performed and the pressure on the vagus is removed.
Symptomatic treatment. With pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, drugs are prescribed to correct the secretion of gastric juice. Hormonal drugs relieve inflammation. The therapeutic course is quite long and requires regular dosage changes. Sedatives and antihistamines are prescribed to relieve depressed moods.
Rehabilitation therapy. Electrical stimulation soothes the vagus nerve. The procedure shows positive results in anxiety disorders, heart disease, migraine, obesity, bulimia, memory impairment, chronic heart failure, mood disorders, Alzheimer's disease, etc. In some cases, plasmacythopheresis helps - blood purification. With a congenital disorder of the vagus, the patient is given a pacemaker. In critical cases, a breathing apparatus is required.
Nervus vagus is the longest and most widely divergent nerve in the human body. It performs many different functions and for this reason is one of the most important parts of the nervous system.
There are twelve pairs of cranial or cranial nerves (CNs) in the human body, all of which connect important body systems with the brain. The functions performed by each of them are different. The vagus nerve is one such pair of cranial nerves. More specifically, it is the 10th pair of cranial nerves that perform many different functions.
The vagus nerve is also known as the cranial nerve.X or pulmonary-gastric nerve, as it innervates the stomach and lungs. It departs from the brain and travels along the throat, larynx, lungs, heart, stomach and abdominal muscles to other internal organs.
The vagus nerve sends signals throughout the body and then transmits them back to the brain. It triggers the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) and is involved in maintaining the health of immune cells, organs, tissues, and stem cells. This nerve regulates heart rate, speech, sweating, blood pressure, digestion, glucose production, and respiration. In addition to the fact that the vagus nerve provides an outlet to various organs, it also makes up 90% of the afferent (centripetal) nerves, which transmit sensory information about the state of internal organs to the central nervous system.
Vagus nerve, npassing through the body... Location and function
| 1 - right vagus nerve (CN X) |
In the head
The vagus nerve originates from the roots of the medulla oblongata. It leaves the skull through the jugular foramen, together with the pharyngeal nerve and accessory nerve, and goes to the internal organs. This nerve is involved in the communication between the brain and internal organs. Inside the jugular foramen are the jugular and nodular sensory ganglia. The auricular branch of the vagus nerve runs on both sides of the skull. The motor neurons of the vagus nerve supply nerves to the throat, larynx, pharynx, and esophagus. These nerves help a person swallow, speak, and cough.
The vagus nerve is responsible for the formation of new neurons in the brain and an increase in brain neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is a good food source for brain cells. It promotes the restoration of brain tissue. In addition, the triggering of the vagus nerve stimulates stem cells to give rise to new cells.
The vagus nerve controls the parasympathetic nervous system.
This nervous system uses the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetylcholine enables learning, memorization and relaxation. The vagus nerve uses it to communicate the need for relaxation to the body. It sends this neurotransmitter throughout the body. As a result, the body relaxes and the inflammation associated with stress is reduced.
In the neck
The vagus nerve runs vertically downward within the carotid sheath to the internal carotid arteries and the middle of the internal jugular vein at the base of the neck. Here the nerve forks into the right vagus nerve and the left vagus nerve, which goes on in different directions. The right vagus nerve runs into the pharynx in front of the subclavian artery. The left vagus nerve runs down between the left carotid artery and the left subclavian artery.
Various branches in the neck
Pharyngeal branches. These branches innervate the pharynx and the muscles of the soft palate.
Superior laryngeal nerve. This nerve branches into inner and outer branches. The inner branch supplies nerves to the pharyngeal region and the upper larynx. The outer branch supplies nerves to the cricothyroid muscle of the larynx.
The recurrent laryngeal nerve is a branch of the vagus nerve that is responsible for the innervation of the internal muscle structure of the larynx. This nerve is located between the trachea and the esophagus. It goes down and forks to the left and right. The left branch runs at the level of the arterioles, and the right branch runs along the subclavian artery. The recurrent laryngeal nerve supplies most of the muscles in the larynx with nerves. When swallowing, it promotes movement of the vocal cords in the alimentary canal and allows the glottis to close if a cough reflex occurs. Damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve leads to paralysis of the vocal cords.
In the area of the lungs
The pulmonary branches of the vagus nerve are subdivided into anterior and posterior. The anterior branches run along the anterior surface of the base of the lungs. They connect to the branches of the sympathetic system and form the anterior pulmonary plexus. The posterior branches run along the posterior surface of the base of the lungs. They join with the third and fourth thoracic ganglia of the sympathetic trunk and form the posterior pulmonary plexus. The branches extending from the pulmonary plexus connect to the branches of the bronchi, following through the lungs.
All of these branches of the vagus nerve and other nerves control the involuntary functions of the lungs.
The vagus nerve opens the larynx when air is inhaled and, passing through the muscles of the oral cavity, deactivates speech. In the lungs, it contracts the bronchi, causing the muscles to tighten. One branch of this nerve controls the muscles that move the vocal cords in the larynx. Damage to this nerve can lead to a coarsening of the voice.
In the chest
In the chest wall, the right vagus nerve forms the posterior vagus nerve trunk, while the left forms the anterior vagus nerve trunk. There are two more branches here. The first is the left recurrent laryngeal nerve, which is located below the aorta. It supplies nerves to the muscles of the larynx. The second is the heart branch that innervates the heart.
In the area of the heart
The vagus nerve partially controls the parasympathetic fibers that supply the heart, which are part of the thoracic ganglia. The right vagus nerve supplies the sinus node with nerves, while the left one supplies the atrioventricular node. The efferent fibers of the vagus nerve also supply nerves to the atrial muscle. However, the ventricular muscles are innervated by them to a very insignificant extent.
The vagus nerve is involved in controlling and maintaining the heartbeat.
It always functions, producing a rhythm of approximately 90 beats per minute. When needed, this nerve secretes neurotransmitters, which can help reduce the heart rate or blood pressure.
In the abdominal cavity
The vagus nerve forms the esophageal plexus. It passes through the diaphragm and enters the abdominal cavity, where it forms the celiac and mesenteric plexuses. Further, it reaches the stomach and gives rise to the hepatic branches and nerves of the Latterger, which innervate the pylorus of the stomach.
The vagus nerve supplies parasympathetic nerves to most of the organs in the abdomen. It gives branches to the esophagus, stomach and intestines.
This nerve is involved in the implementation of complex processes in the digestive system, in particular, it sends signals to the muscles of the stomach to compress food and move it into the small intestine. If the vagus nerve is damaged, food may remain in the stomach instead of moving to the intestines, affecting the digestion process. This nerve is also involved in controlling the levels of chemicals in the digestive system so that the gut can act on food and determine nutrient intake. In addition, b the nerve transmits a feeling of fullness in the stomach to the brain... It also contributes to the transmission of taste and hunger. Diabetics' lack of control over high blood sugar levels can damage the vagus nerve.
How is the function of the vagus nerve checked?
The work of the vagus nerve can be tested by stimulating the pharyngeal reflex. When the side of the throat is touched, the pharyngeal muscles contract, causing a coughing movement. When checking the innervation of the soft palate, the person is asked to say "a". In this case, the soft palate should rise up, and the uvula should move back. If the nerve is damaged, the soft palate and uvula are displaced unevenly, deviating from the damaged part.
Improving the functioning of the vagus nerve
Inhalation is an inexpensive way to stimulate the vagus nerve. When taking a deep breath through the mouth, the diaphragm should be released and expanded. This activates the vagus nerve. Exhale through the nose. With this method, you can feel how stress leaves the body. The brain has a healing effect by inducing a feeling of relaxation. Activating the vagus nerve can also reduce inflammation, improve memory, promote organ and tissue regeneration, increase brain density, and strengthen the immune system.
Vagus Nerve Disorders
Diseases of the vagus nerve are divided into two classes: diseases caused by insufficient nerve activity or the presence of dysfunctional nerves, and diseases caused by excessive activity of the vagus nerve. Over-activity of the vagus nerve leads to fainting. Lack of activity can cause nausea, pyrolysis, abdominal pain, weight loss, and a decrease in heart rate.
Treatment
If the vagus nerve does not respond well to stimulation, you should see your doctor for a referral to a neurologist. It is also possible to undergo neurological therapy. Neurological therapy involves stimulating the nerves. A device is connected to the nerve that generates electrical impulses that regulate the signals sent by the nerve.
A pacemaker may be needed to prevent and maintain heart rate. Medications may also be required to ensure that the digestive system is working properly. In general, moving away from medical writings and terms, the vagus nerve is what makes a person feel good when they hug someone. He is also responsible for the vague feeling that a person experiences when witnessing an incident that touches him emotionally.
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