Human nervous system — it is a complex structure in the body. Its structure includes 12 pairs of cranial nerves. Vagus or vagus nerve — the longest. It passes from brainstem to abdomen and regulates the intestines, has effects on 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, the symptoms of its inflammation can be very different: from dizziness to indigestion. Therefore, it is important to diagnose the disorder in a timely manner and properly treat it.
- Causes and types of vagus nerve dysfunction
- Symptoms of various types of dysfunction: vagus nerve
- How to Treat Vagus Disorders Properly
- How to stimulate the vagus nerve
Causes and types of vagus nerve dysfunction
In medicine, there are two types of vagal disorder: overactivity and depression.
Causes of defeat can be:
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Meningitis
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Injury and surgery
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Diabetes
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Thrombosis
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Intoxication
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Infections
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Nerve entrapment
Vagus nerve: symptoms of various types of dysfunction
Vagus nerve damage manifests itself in different ways. Signs of inflammation are determined by the mechanism of the development of the disease: neurasthenia, neuralgia, angioedema.
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Symptoms of vagus neuralgia:
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Voice pitch changes, nasality appears
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Difficulty breathing and swallowing
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Vomiting for no reason
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Loss of balance
Vagal angioedema is characterized by:
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Hearing impairment
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Apathy
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Arrhythmia
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Signs of vagus neurasthenia:
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Pain in throat on one side
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Sudden loss of consciousness
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Hyperactivity of the endocrine system
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Increased secretion of gastric juice
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Indigestion
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Difficulty breathing
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Incontinence
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Bouts of uncontrollable coughing
Sometimes manifestations are caused not by vagus dysfunction, but by a change in its activity. The vagus nerve is responsible for adaptation of the body to changes in the atmosphere, to emotional and physical stresses.
How to Treat Vagus Disorders
With serious violations of the vagus, vital systems and organs suffer. Therefore, treatment should take place in a hospital under the supervision of doctors. Only after a complete examination and final diagnosis does the specialist prescribe a therapeutic course.
Traditional medicine involves the treatment of vagus nerve dysfunction with different methods:
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Treatment of the underlying disease. If the lesion is provoked by infectious diseases, then antibacterial or antiviral drugs are prescribed. In case of tumors, an operation is performed and the pressure on the vagus is eliminated.
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Symptomatic treatment. In case of gastrointestinal pathologies, 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 mood.
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Rehabilitation therapy. Electrical stimulation calms 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, plasmacytopheresis helps — blood purification. With a congenital disorder of the vagus, the patient is fitted with a pacemaker. In critical cases breathing apparatus is required.
How to stimulate the vagus nerve yourself
Vagus can be activated at home.
Options include:
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Cold shower.
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Singing and positive emotions.
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Yoga and meditation.
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Breathing exercises and deep slow breathing.
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Physical exercises for the abdominal muscles.
These techniques, along with traditional treatments, can relieve intense symptoms.
Herbal decoctions of mint, thyme, lemon balm will help to improve well-being. Relieve stress bath with oregano, rosemary or calamus root.
Unfortunately, advanced form of vagus dysfunction cannot be completely cured. At the first warning signs, you should consult a doctor.
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