The Vagus Nerve and its wandering conditions

In Latin, the word vagus means "wanderer." The vagus nerve is known as the wandering nerve, since it is made up of several branches that diverge into two thick stems rooted in the cerebellum and brain stem, which wander towards the lower viscera of the abdomen, touching the heart and most of the most important organs on the way.

This is how the doctor defines it neurologist Felipe Villarreal, who was recently consulted by Saludpanama.com about conditions caused by the vagus nerve. 

"The vagus nerve is constantly sending sensory information about the state of the organs to the brain. In fact, between 80 and 90% of the nerve fibers of the vagus nerve are dedicated to communicating the state of the viscera to the brain. Furthermore, innervates the larynx, pharynx, trachea, bronchi, heart, stomach, pancreas, liver and viscera", Explica.

According to Villarreal, damage to the vagus nerve can affect the aforementioned organs and may also be involved in the development of depression.

The Vagus Nerve can be damaged due to various causes: tumors, medications, tobacco consumption, diabetes and trauma, among others. And precisely, depending on the cause, the damage can be permanent or remissable.

Diagnosis and management
Villarreal says our autonomic nervous system is made up of two opposing systems that create a tug of war in our mind. The sympathetic nervous system is oriented to put the foot on the accelerator since it is nourished by adrenaline and cortisol and is part of the fight or flight response. The parasympathetic nervous system is the polar opposite. The vagus nerve is the central axis of the functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system. This is aimed at reducing speed and uses neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine to slow heart rate, blood pressure and help the heart and organs slow down.

"If the vagus nerve is inflamed, its functions will logically be affected. It is possible that it is due to what is called Vagal Syndrome, which is characterized by nausea, heartburn, dizziness, headache, tachycardia, pain and stiffness in the neck, vomiting; or Vagal Crisis, which directly involves the heart and manifests itself with some uncomfortable symptoms, such as excessive sweating, paleness, general malaise, nausea and even fainting. comments the neurologist.

He explains that selective stimulation of the vagus nerve is used in some medical treatments. For example, it is commonly used in people who suffer from depression and is also applied in some cases to treat epilepsy.

The doctor specifies that each disorder, logically, requires specific care. If vagus nerve dysfunction is due to a crisis with fainting, decreased heart rate and blood pressure, the doctor may prescribe a specific drug. In the case of problems that affect the vagus nerve, the so-called Valsaba maneuver is very useful, which takes its name from the doctor and anatomist who devised it, and which should be performed only by expert hands to avoid causing more harm than good. It is a forced compensation maneuver of the middle ear that helps stimulate the vagus nerves on both sides, right and left, quite effectively.

It must be remembered that, if you suffer from any of these symptoms, and to have an accurate diagnosis and resolve all doubts, you should always consult your doctor.

According to Villarreal, vagus nerve management also includes breathing techniques. "The person should lie down on a comfortable surface and if they have tight clothing, loosen it. Inhale deeply through the nose, with the sensation of bringing the air to the lowest part of the belly (abdominal breathing). This inhalation should last about 4 or 5 seconds. Keep the air in the lungs for about six seconds and expel it in an exhale that should last about 4 or 5 seconds, but as you expel the air, you should make your lips as if you were blowing out a candle, that is, slightly contracted; , indica.

Both inspiration and expiration should be slow and deep. The doctor comments that it can be done as long as the patient wants, the ideal minimum being about 7 or 8 minutes a day.

"In a stressful situation, for example, before an exam or job interview, the results can be surprising," stands out.

Long-term stimulation of the vagus nerve helps regenerate some organs, reduces blood pressure, increases brain thickness, improves immune function, harmonizes the nervous system, reduces anxiety, stress and depression, as well as improving heart rate. cardiac.