The vagus nerve is one of the twelve cranial nerves in the body. “Vagus” implies wandering in Latin. The vagus nerve is the longest of the cranial nerves, hence this name. It extends from the brain stem to a portion of the colon and controls several biological systems, including digestion, heart rate, and breathing. Vagus nerve is involved in the autonomic nerve system, which regulates unconscious functions, including breathing and digestion. Let’s enhance your understanding about its functioning, disorders, and symptoms.
What Functions Does Vagus Nerve Perform?
The vagus nerve performs multiple roles in the body. However, the major vagus nerve functions have been discussed below to help it understand better:
- Sensory information is provided under vagus nerve function for the skin behind the ear, external part of the ear canal, and throat, as well as visceral sensations for the larynx, oesophagus, lungs, trachea, heart, and digestive tract.
- It stimulates involuntary contractions in the digestive tract, including the oesophagus, stomach, and intestines, as well as muscles in the pharynx, larynx, and soft palate.
- The Vagus nerve also stimulates muscles in the heart, lowering the resting heart rate.
- Play a little role in the experience of taste near the root of the tongue.
Vagus nerves facilitates the below listed functions from the brain to the body:
- Heart rate
- Speech
- Taste
- Muscle sensation
- Immune response
- Respiratory rate
- Saliva production
- Urination frequency
- Blood pressure
- Mood regulation
Are there Any Vagus Nerve Disorders?
The vagus nerve disorders might arise in the body leading to malfunction in certain cellular pathways. This should be treated on time through proper medical treatment combined with vagus nerve exercises. We have listed some of the vagus nerve disorders here:
Issues with Heart Rate
Vagus nerve dysfunction can cause both slow and fast heart rates, depending on the type of dysfunction. For example, overactivity can lead to bradycardia (or slow heart rate) while disease-causing insufficient activity of the vagus nerve can lead to tachycardia (fast heart rate). Vagus nerve function in the heart is quite considerate as it can help maintain the rhythm. This can be further explained by the management of some types of tachycardia that can include vagal nerve exercises and treatments that stimulate more vagal nerve activity that helps slow down the heart rate.
Vasovagal Syncope
The vagus nerve stimulates some specific muscles in the heart that are a key indicator for slowing the heart rate. When it overreacts, it can cause a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, resulting in fainting. This condition is termed vasovagal syncope. Factors that can trigger this include pregnancy, emotional stress, and pain, but there may be no clear cause.
Gastroparesis
Studies suggest that disruption of the vagal nerve function may lead to gustatory paralysis. This condition thus impacts the process of rhythmic muscle contractions in the gastrointestinal tract which can lead to stomach pumping failure. The loss of vagus nerve functions may sometimes lead to gastroparesis, especially among people who have undergone a vagotomy operation.
The vagus nerve symptoms that arise are:
- Nausea or vomiting, often hours after eating and especially with undigested food
- Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly after eating
- Acid reflux
- Bloating or stomach pain
- Inexplicable weight loss
- Blood sugar fluctuation.
Nerve Damage
Since the vagus nerve is lengthy and affects so many different parts, damage to it can produce a wide range of symptoms. The location of the nerve damage will determine the symptoms a person may experience:
- Trouble swallowing
- Loss of gag reflex
- Loss of voice
- Difficulty speaking
- Low BP
- Variations in heart rate during digestion, either quick or slow
- Feeling queasy or throwing up
- Discomfort or bloating in the abdomen
- Despair and anxiety in patients with heart disease or respiratory issues.
Now, you might wonder what is the treatment for vagus nerve disorders. Well, the doctor might suggest some vagus nerve exercises along with medications that are listed here:
Deep Breathing
One of the simplest methods to stimulate the vagus nerve, slow down your racing heart, and lower blood pressure is to practice breathing exercises and harness your breath. Breathing slowly and deeply stimulates the vagus nerve, which can help lower stress and anxiety levels. Diaphragmatic breathing—deep belly breaths as opposed to shallow chest breaths—is the most effective technique for stimulating the vagus nerve. By placing your hand on your abdomen and seeing how it grows with an inhaled breath and contracts with an exhaled one, you can ensure that your diaphragm is being activated. This vagus nerve exercise helps a lot with stimulation enhancement under its phase of reduced functioning.
Cold Exposure
The mammalian diving reflex, also called the diving response, is an innate physiological response that is triggered when your body is exposed to cold water. Your vagus nerve is stimulated by this reaction, which also lowers your heart rate and promotes relaxation. Even if it might not be the most comfortable activity, studies indicate that exposure to cold can effectively increase vagal tone and heart rate variability. The methods for doing this are:
- Taking a cold shower
- Making a sudden dive
- Putting your face in an ice water basin
- Applying an ice pack to your throat.
Physical Exercises
As if you needed more evidence that working out is healthy, studies have shown that physical activity raises vagal tone. Interval and endurance exercises are excellent ways to stimulate the vagus nerve. Physical activity triggers hormonal reactions in the vagus nerve, which have positive effects on the brain and mental well-being. The vagus nerve exercises help a lot in the rejuvenation of its function to a great extent.
Conclusion
You might want additional assistance if your persistent stress and anxiety are not being adequately managed by vagal nerve stimulation. Although vagal stimulation is undoubtedly useful for mental health, therapy may be more beneficial if you are experiencing ongoing difficulties. To help you feel better, skilled physicians use evidence-based therapies, such as mind-body techniques like vagal nerve stimulation. To alleviate the symptoms of vagus nerve dysfunction and lead a healthy lifestyle, consult with a healthcare professional immediately.
