What is the Vagus Nerve?
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The vagus nerve is either one of two cranial nerves which are extremely long, extending from the brain stem all the way to the viscera. The vagus nerves carry a wide assortment of signals to and from the brain, and they are responsible for a number of instinctive responses in the body. You may also hear the vagus nerve called Cranial Nerve X, as it is the 10th cranial nerve, or the Wandering Nerve. A great deal of research has been carried out on the vagus nerve, as it is a rather fascinating cranial nerve.
Vagus is Latin for “wandering,” and it is an accurate description of this nerve, which emerges at the back of the skull and meanders in a leisurely way through the abdomen, with a number of branching nerves coming into contact with the heart, lungs, voicebox, stomach, and ears, among other body parts. The vagus nerve carries incoming information from the nervous system to the brain, providing information about what the body is doing, and it also transmits outgoing information which governs a range of reflex responses.
The vagus nerve helps to regulate the heart beat, control muscle movement, keep a person breathing, and to transmit a variety of chemicals through the body. It is also responsible for keeping the digestive tract in working order, contracting the muscles of the stomach and intestines to help process food, and sending back information about what is being digested and what the body is getting out of it.
When the vagus nerve is stimulated, the response is often a reduction in heart-rate or breathing. In some cases, excessive stimulation can cause someone to have what is known as a vaso-vagal response, appearing to fall into a faint or coma because his or her heart rate and blood pressure drop so much. Selective stimulation of this nerve is also used in some medical treatment; vagus stimulation appears to benefit people who suffer from depression, for example, and it is also sometimes used to treat epilepsy.
Most of the time, you don't notice the actions of the right and left vagus nerves, but you probably would notice if this nerve ceased to function as a result of disease or trauma, because the vagus nerve is one of the many vital nerves which keeps your body in working order. Without the functions of the vagus nerve, you would find it difficult to speak, breathe, or eat, and your heartbeat would become extremely irregular.
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24
Had an allergic reaction to something I ate
Felt like everything in my body was shutting down and I was dying. Continued having these attacks for two years. Five years later, after using a TENS unit for a slipped disk in my neck I went into vertigo and started with vagal attacks again. Continuously. I don't feel like I'm passing out --it feels like my body is shutting down and I'm dying. What meds will stop these episodes? - mskiba53
22
Twice my son has gotten me laughing hard where I could barely breathe while playing board games, and once I had a severe cough where I kept coughing out repeatedly and couldn't inhale. All three times I went out like a light and immediately awoke on the floor - once with the EMS pointing their flashlight in my pupils. My doctor said it was my vagus nerve and the EMS said this was fairly common. Apparently nothing I can do about it except not laugh. I didn't notice a BP drop when it happened, just out! I'm on BP and cholesterol meds and overweight. Are these contributing to the problem, i.e., inner pressure on the nerve, or is it just something I'm blessed with? It's weird and would be very embarrassing and dangerous if it happened at work or while driving - though I don't laugh in those situations. But a cough. What gives? Any thoughts? - kkklaus1
21
#20 was my question about complications resulting from a cut vagus nerve during my lung removal. Doing further research, I believe it was the phrenic nerve instead, but my question is the same: Could there be long term complications with this? - anon44685
20
I had my right upper lobe of my lung removed about four years ago. Recently I heard the medical staff say they thought my vagus nerve was cut during the surgery. What problems could that cause in the future? currently, I don't seem to experience any of the things you speak of in the article at this time. - clhoyle
18
Is there a connection between the vagal nerve and trauma resulting in severe headaches and vomiting in the client? - anon43928
17
I was to prepare for a tough competitive exam and i had colitis kind of problem. I didn't know what to do. then suddenly i realized that breathing in a particular way helped me. I cleared the exam but again the same problem came back. This was 17 years back. The problem has more or less persisted with me and i am a very unhappy person because of that. somehow i know the answer lies in breath control but so far i have not been able to do it. I am trying the sudarshan kriya of art of living and it has helped me only partially. can someone please help? - anon41459
13
I pass out when i feel a pull on the front left part of my neck. It almost sounds like a crunching cracking sound, my vision starts to tunnel, and my hearing goes faint and i feel queasy to my stomach and i pass out for a few seconds and i wake up and im fine. Could this be related to the vagus nerve? - anon36894
12
one of my friends has fainted couple of times all of a sudden. We were sitting and having a bite and suddenly he drops off the chair. he has no recollection of the matter except that he was unconscious for some time. Could this be because of the vagus nerve. If yes what is the medication?? - anon36845
11
I recently had gastric bipass surgery. Prior to surgery, my heart rate was normal. I had to go back and have a second surgery to enlarge the opening in to stomach and my heart rate if now bradicardia. My heart rate is now 48-50 beats per minute. I have undergone a series of cardiac tests and my cardiologist feels the venous nerve may have been damaged during the bypass surgery. Is this possible? - anon36211
10
i had a blockage in my carotid artery and had a TIA a few years ago. now there's a "growth" that is palpable and right on the incision line. I know it's scar tissue, but the "neck" doctor i saw won't say it. guess they're afraid it will reflect on the surgeon who did the endarterectomy. But this doctor *did* say that the growth was pressing on my vagus nerve. OK--call me kooky, but this *can't* be a good thing, huh? I'm also getting a scratchy voice and there's a thickening when i swallow. they already ruled out cancer. I've had an MRI and ultrasound. Ideas, anyone? - anon35751
9
Is there a possibility of a radial vagus nerve?I know the radial nerve is responsible for the pecks and triceps of the arm. - anon32730
8
Well I forgot my password to enter this as a member so again a slight delay involved. Can the type of vagal responses you describe be fatal? *Absolutely*.Now that you are aware of this where do you go next? Actually, being you didn't ask your doctor if these episodes could be fatal is a strong indicator you do not have a very good relationship with this particular doctor. There needs to be a good communication on both parts the patient needs to be comfortable enough to ask questions, if you are not I would find a new doctor or a "second" opinion. This is just my take on this particular case and in no way is a blanket statement to cover *any other questions*. The vagus nerve is being blamed for far too many ailments and patients often misdiagnose their symptoms as being vagus related after reading about the vagus system. - anon27393
7
Two years ago I had a cardio seal implantation device inserted into my heart to close a PFO. Since the procedure, I have had a number of “fainting” spells where my heart rate drops drastically. My husband says that I stop breathing completely. My cardiologist believes that these episodes my be classified as vagal responses. I currently have an implantable loop recorder inside of my chest, and I am also on beta blockers. Each time I’ve experienced an episode my energy levels remain incredibly low for close to 12 hours. I’m terrified that the next time I have one of these vagal responses I won’t wake up, but I’m tired of invasive tests and procedures. Can vagal responses be fatal? If you could please let me know I would greatly appreciate it.
- alc2009
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Can a person die because they were constipated and tried too hard to go to the bathroom and triggered this nerve somehow from straining? - anon26540
5
Sorry didn't log in so this might be delayed a bit. Your Dr. said the vomiting is caused by the vagus nerve? Or the passing out? Or both? Passing out while you are vomiting can be dangerous because you can easily choke on your own vomit. This scenario is nearly impossible to help with over the internet and especially without a plethora of additional information on your medical history. *Return* to you physician and ask your questions! The best bet is to write down all of your concerns and bring your note with you so you do not forget any questions. The internet is a wonderful source of information but a terrible place to ask for a diagnosis. - anon25660
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I pass out when I throw up. The Doctor said it is caused by the vagus nerve. My question is, can I die from this? It is very scary at times I don't know I passed out until I come to. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you,eiosbo - eiosbo
3
Well those could be symptoms, but not likely ones. If you are asking for a diagnosis that is even a problematic one to make if you were standing in front of a doctor, I doubt you will find anyone that would be willing to make one here, especially without a whole lot more information. Here is another way to look at it... If you walked into the local clinic with diarrhea and a back ache the first thing to come to mind will not be a damaged Vagus Nerve. - a5b8c8d7e
1
can damage of the nerve cause vomiting and back pain? - anon23734
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Written by
S.E. Smith
Last Modified: 07 November 2009
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