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Damage to the vagus nerve (neuropathy of the vagus nerve). What is nervus vagus - location, structure and functions, symptoms and treatment of diseases

In what ways and methods can stimulate the vagus nerve to help prevent and treat many pathological conditions.

Learning how it works human body, I am more and more convinced that it functions as a whole. All organs and systems are interconnected and our health cannot be considered from any one side.

In this post, we will talk about a very important nerve in our body. And not just about its functionality, but about the fact that the tone of this nerve can help us fight many pathological conditions and chronic diseases.

By stimulating the Vagus Nerve, you open the door to another effective and safe way to prevent and treat hypertension, diabetes, obesity, anxiety, and more.

What is the Vagus Nerve?

Or Vagus Nerve.

It is the longest nerve in our body. It starts in our brain as cranial nerve 10, passes through the neck and then through the digestive tract, liver, spleen, pancreas, heart and lungs.

This is the main "player" in our parasympathetic nervous system or, to put it simply, the “rest and digest” system.

What is vagus nerve tone?

Vagus nerve tone is an important key to activating the parasympathetic nervous system.

It turns out that tone can be easily measured by recording the heart rate along with the respiratory rate.

Our heartbeat speeds up a little when we breathe in and slows down when we breathe out. The greater the difference between the heart rate during inhalation and exhalation, the better your tone. A good "wandering" tone means the body's ability to recover faster after stress.

Influence of the Vagus Nerve on organs and systems:

  • Digestive system- increases the acidity of gastric juice, improves digestion and helps to utilize vitamin B12.
  • gallbladder- stimulates the release of bile, the absorption of fats and the elimination of toxins.
  • Liver and pancreas Helps control blood glucose balance.
  • The cardiovascular system- controls heart rate and arterial pressure. According to statistics, it helps to reduce the risk of heart attacks.
  • kidneys- improves blood circulation and filtration capacity.
  • Spleen Reduces inflammation in the body by reducing the release of Acetylcholine.
  • Among women- controls fertility.

How does the vagus nerve affect our body?

Good vagal tone:

  • improves blood sugar regulation
  • reduces the risk of stroke
  • reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases
  • stabilizes blood pressure
  • improves digestion
  • reduces the incidence of headaches and migraines
  • improves mood
  • reduces the effects of stress and anxiety on the body

Poor vagal tone:

  • high risk of stroke
  • increased risk of developing diabetes
  • chronic fatigue
  • autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis)

Why activate the Vagus Nerve?

This simple action turns out to be an additional effective method in the fight against:

  • Anxiety and
  • Diseases of cardio-vascular system
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Headaches and migraines
  • fibromyalgia
  • Overweight and obesity
  • Noise in the ears
  • alcoholism
  • Bulimia or anorexia
  • autism
  • autoimmune diseases
  • doggy style

How to stimulate the vagus nerve?

Well, now let's figure out what ways and methods can be used to activate this important nerve for our health and well-being.

1. Breath

Shallow, rhythmic, deep belly breathing can activate the vagus nerve.

To do this, I usually sit down (or lie down) and breathe deeply with my stomach for 10-15 minutes. You can increase the tone of the nerve even more by stretching “Ooooohmmmm” at the exit (this is taught in yoga practices), since this Vagus nerve is connected to the vocal cords.

2. Meditation

The same applies to meditation, where you automatically begin to breathe deeply and slowly into your belly. You can meditate at the end of yoga practice or separately. Usually 15-20 minutes is enough.

3. Water

Namely, face wash. cold water. The mechanism by which the vagus nerve is activated in this way is not fully understood. However, it cannot prevent us from washing our faces with cold water in the morning and evening.

4. Probiotics

Balance intestinal microflora It also affects our nerves. It turns out that beneficial bacteria form a so-called positive connection with the Vagus nerve, increasing its tone. It is also important to know that our intestines are connected to the brain through this nerve.

5. Rinse

This process stimulates the posterior pharyngeal wall, which is directly connected to the nerve. The method is also quite simple: you need to rinse your mouth with a glass of water several times a day (for example, after eating). It is also good for oral health.

6. Singing

7. Yoga

It has already been proven that yoga improves the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system. And everything that improves its activity automatically improves the tone of the Vagus nerve. I try to practice yoga 2-3 times a week.

8. Fasting

Fasting appears to increase the tone of the vagus nerve. There are several ways to practice fasting. Someone refuses to eat once a week, and I practice the so-called

From the anamnesis, chest surgery (40%), neck injury (35%), past infections (30%) are important.

When the nerve is damaged, the tone of the voice changes, there are difficulties in swallowing, choking for several weeks, months, sometimes years. As the disease progresses, difficulty in swallowing and speaking increases. Paralysis of the muscles of the pharynx, esophagus, palatine muscles leads to a violation of swallowing (dysphagia), the ingress of fluid into the nose during the act of swallowing.

Examination reveals drooping soft palate(80%), dysphonia. The tongue deviates to the healthy side, there are no pharyngeal and palatine reflexes - 65-80%. With voice paralysis, a change in voice appears: it becomes hoarse (50%). With damage to the vagus nerve, aphonia develops on both sides, a violation of breathing and heart function.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis includes computed/magnetic resonance imaging of the brain.

Treatment of vagus nerve injury

Treatment is prescribed only after confirmation of the diagnosis by a specialist doctor. It is necessary to eliminate the cause of the disease; shows "Prednisolone", vitamins, antihistamines, anticholinesterase drugs; plasmapheresis.

Differential Diagnosis:

  • Tumors and disorders of cerebral circulation in the medulla oblongata.
  • Herpes zoster.
  • Tumors of the lungs thyroid gland, esophagus.
  • Hypertrophy of the left atrium.

Essential drugs

There are contraindications. Specialist consultation is required.

  • (systemic GCS). Dosing regimen: average dose inside for adults is 5-60 mg / day. in 3-4 doses. Maximum daily dose- 200 mg.
  • (vitamin B complex). Dosage regimen: therapy begins with 2 ml intramuscularly 1 r / d for 5-10 days. Maintenance therapy - 2 ml / m two or three times a week.
  • Prozerin (an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase and pseudocholinesterase). Dosage regimen: inside adults 10-15 mg 2-3 times a day; subcutaneously - 1-2 mg 1-2 times a day.
  • (antihistamine, sedative, hypnotic). Dosage regimen: intramuscularly, 1-5 ml of a 1% solution; inside 0.025-0.05 g 1-3 times a day. The course of treatment is 10-15 days.

If the vagus nerve is affected, then the consequence can be a whole “bouquet” of disorders and diseases, so it is very important to identify problems in time and treat them correctly.

Where is the vagus nerve located?

Having heard the concept of "vagus nerve", many are interested in why it is called that. In the scientific literature, to define this nerve, you can find the term "vagus", which comes from the Latin vagus - "wandering, wandering." This name was given due to the fact that this nerve trunk is very long, has many branches that spread throughout most of the human body.

The vagus originates inside the skull, in the medulla oblongata. Passing through the tissues of the neck, through the thoracic region, it branches to the heart and lungs, and then descends through the hole in the diaphragm to the stomach, intestines and other organs of the abdominal space. The vagus nerve is part of twelve pairs of nerves that branch off from the brain stem and has serial number X (10).

CNS: vagus nerve - scheme

The vagus nerve is the largest nerve, it is multifunctional and consists of secretory, motor and sensory fibers. The functioning of the vagus provides many reflexes, vital functions of the body. All its activities are connected with the autonomic nervous system. Here is a partial list of actions and processes under the control of the vagus nerve, which show its importance:

  • Job respiratory systems s;
  • the act of swallowing;
  • speech;
  • vomiting reflex;
  • cough;
  • functioning of the heart muscle;
  • gastric activity, etc.

Vagus nerve - diagnosis

If a violation is suspected in the tenth pair nerve plexuses head is required to know the mechanism, causes and its degree. To do this, the neurologist prescribes a number of instrumental studies, which may include: computed or magnetic resonance imaging of the brain (MRI of the vagus nerve), X-ray examination of the skull and chest, electrocardiogram and some other techniques. During the examination, the specialist uses the following tricks, allowing to identify dysfunctions and assess their degree:

  • checking the sonority of the voice and the purity of the pronunciation of sounds;
  • determination of the nature of the contraction of the soft palate;
  • study of palatine and pharyngeal reflexes;
  • checking the function of swallowing;
  • examination of the larynx with a laryngoscope, etc.

Vagus nerve - symptoms

Given the breadth of the spectrum of functions, the defeat of the vagus nerve affects the work of many systems and organs. The disorder is caused by various factors, including tumors, injuries, surgical interventions, poisoning toxic substances, infections, severe chronic ailments. Symptoms of vagus nerve disease are largely determined by which part of it has been disturbed. Consider probable clinical manifestations depending on the zone:

1. Cranial department:

  • systematic intense headaches;
  • discomfort in the behind-the-ear zone, in the external auditory canal;
  • hearing loss.
  • swallowing disorder;
  • change in voice timbre, hoarseness;
  • disorder of speech function;
  • difficulty breathing;
  • sensation of a lump in the throat.

3. Thoracic:

  • soreness behind the sternum;
  • difficulty in breathing;
  • weakening of the cough reflex;
  • heartbeat.

4. Abdominal:

Inflammation of the vagus nerve - symptoms

Inflammatory damage to the vagus, which is often infectious or toxic, is often associated with damage to other cranial trunks. Inflammation of the vagus nerve manifests itself with a variety of signs, the main of which are listed above. Be sure to pay attention to such signals as:

  • the appearance of a nasal voice (without a runny nose);
  • difficulty in swallowing food;
  • dizziness, which some patients ignore in the initial stage of the disease.

Vagus nerve tone - symptoms

The tone of the tenth pair of cranial nerve plexuses is understood as such a state in which normal adaptation processes are provided in the body in response to changes in the environment, physical and emotional stress. The tone of the vagus nerve determines the level of physiological and mental health. If the tone is normal, this is indicated by a slight increase in the pulse during inhalation and a decrease during exhalation, the predominance of a cheerful mood. People with a low tone index often have a bad mood, a feeling of loneliness, and heart attacks.

Vagus nerve irritation - symptoms

The vagus nerve can be irritated due to pinching when squeezed by vessels or neoplasms in the neck, chest, less often inside the skull. separate form The lesion is neuralgia of the superior laryngeal nerve, one of the branches of the tenth pair of cranial trunks. Presumably, the pathology is based on pinching of the vagus nerve when passing through the thyroid-hyoid membrane. In this case, there are seizures that appear during a meal and are characterized by:

  • sudden pain in the larynx on one side;
  • strong cough;
  • general weakness;
  • fainting state.

Irritation of the vagus nerve can lead to an increase in the work of the glands internal secretion, in connection with which an excess amount of gastric and pancreatic juice is produced. A sharp increase in intestinal motility is likely, which negatively affects the digestion and assimilation of food. When the work of the nerve decreases or its paralysis occurs, there are reverse reactions in the activity digestive system.

Vagus nerve and arrhythmia

Irregularity or frequency heart rate sometimes associated with the tenth pair of nerves, and in this case, arrhythmias are classified as vagodependent neurogenic. The influence of the vagus nerve on the heart increases at night, after a meal and physical activity. Patients experience attacks of pain in the region of the heart, accompanied by fear of death, sweating, dizziness. The nerve causes bradycardia, tachycardia, extrasystole.

Vagus nerve treatment

It is impossible to say unequivocally how to treat the vagus nerve, this is determined by the type and degree of damage, the list of deviations and manifestations. This issue should only be dealt with by a qualified specialist. Often, treatment is limited to drug therapy with the appointment of:

With severe symptoms, stimulation of the vagus nerve by means of electrical impulses is prescribed, an operation is performed. But in some cases, patients need to know how to calm the vagus nerve during an attack on their own, or how to prevent an exacerbation. In order for the vagus nerve not to cause arrhythmia, it is recommended:

  • breath holding;
  • cough;
  • immersion of the face in cold water;
  • massaging the neck area.

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What is nervus vagus - location, structure and functions, symptoms and treatment of diseases

The human body is complex mechanism The nervous system is responsible for maintaining all vital processes at the required level. The central nervous system receives external signals and impulses from internal organs about danger and gives commands to improve the situation, so deviations in the system can lead to serious health problems. What is the vagus nerve, what signs of discomfort indicate its inflammation and that you need to see a doctor, let's try to figure it out.

What is the vagus nerve

Twelve nerves leave the brain. The tenth (X) pair of nerves emerging from the skull is called the vagus or wandering due to widespread, fermentation in the body. According to human anatomy, the vagal nerve is the longest, has two trunks and a complex structure. Along the entire length of the vagus, nuclei of the vagus nerve are formed. Nervus vagus covers the following parts of the human body:

  1. Head department. The vagus enters this part after leaving the skull, due to the branches of the nerve, innervation occurs meninges in the cranial cavity rear wall external auditory canal at the temporal bone.
  2. Neck department. Here, the nerve fibers are located in the muscles of the pharynx, vocal cords, soft palate, and uvula. In the neck region, the vagus fibers are located partly in thyroid gland and in mucous membranes: pharynx, larynx, epiglottis and root of the tongue.
  3. Thoracic department. The nerve enters this zone through a hole in the diaphragm, its branches form plexuses: cardiac, pulmonary and esophageal.
  4. Abdominal section. Here the vagus descends through the esophagus through a hole in the membrane and goes to the stomach, liver, pancreas.

Vagus consists of a complex of fibers of three types:

  1. Sensitive. Vagus fibers are located in the auditory canal, eardrum and the shell of the brain; receive and transmit information.
  2. Motor. This part of the nerve is activated to execute the command after processing information in the brain and consists of vagus fibers in the muscles of the larynx, pharynx, and esophagus.
  3. Vegetative. Nerve fibers are responsible for the stable activity of internal organs, endocrine glands, circulatory and lymphatic systems and include nerve endings vagus in the muscles of the heart, in the smooth muscles of the lungs, esophagus, stomach, intestines.

Causes

It is impossible to overestimate the value of the vagus, a violation of the function of the vagus nerve leads to:

  • interruptions in activity respiratory organs, cardiac muscle, endocrine glands, digestive system;
  • disorders of blood pressure regulation.

Irritation, inflammation, pinching or damage to the nerve fibers leads to an imbalance in the activity of the organs innervated by the vagus. Defeat may be within cranium or cover the peripheral parts of the vagus. TO intracranial causes pathologies include:

Problems can arise in the peripheral part of the vagus, these include:

Symptoms

Manifestations of nerve damage depend on: localization, cause of occurrence, degree of damage. Intracranial damage can involve all three types of vagus fibers and have severe consequences - paralysis of both nerve trunks, dysfunction and death. The following symptoms may indicate damage to the vagus:

  • dysfunction of swallowing;
  • violation of the timbre of the voice, the appearance of hoarseness;
  • difficulty breathing;
  • constipation or diarrhea;
  • change in heart rate.

Inflammation of the vagus nerve

Signs of inflammation of the vagus depend on the location of the source of the lesion:

  1. In the head area, symptoms can be manifested by hearing loss, dizziness, headache (migraine).
  2. In the cervical region, there are: a change in voice and pronunciation of words, difficulty in swallowing, a violation of the cough reflex.
  3. IN chest area the defeat may be accompanied by respiratory failure, chest pain.
  4. Due to inflammation of the vagus in the abdominal cavity, indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation may occur.

Tone

The autonomic nervous system consists of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers that balance their activity. Their normal interaction determines a healthy tone. The good work of the vegetative system is evidenced by:

  • positive mood of a person;
  • a slight increase in heart rate after inhalation, its decrease after exhalation;
  • ability to manage your emotions stressful situations.

When a nerve is damaged, it suffers autonomic system, a failure in the activity of the parasympathetic fibers of the vagus leads to the manifestation of symptoms of neurasthenia:

  • lethargy, apathy increased tone;
  • irascibility and irritability with reduced tone.

Irritation

Serious disturbances in the activity of internal organs occur when the vegetative fibers of the nerve are irritated. The activity of the parasympathetic fibers of the vagus is aimed at:

  • extension blood vessels,
  • slow heartbeat,
  • decreased contraction of bronchial smooth muscle
  • stimulation of the secretory function of the glands of the abdominal cavity,
  • the occurrence of cough as a protective reaction.

With irritation of the parasympathetic fibers of the nerve, the work of the endocrine glands increases, intestinal motility increases. An excessive amount of gastric juice sometimes causes the development of stomach or intestinal ulcers, and increased peristalsis leads to diarrhea. As a result of irritation of the nerve, bronchospasm, an asthma attack may occur.

Vagus nerve and arrhythmia

The cause of a violation in the work of the cardiovascular system may be damage to the vagal nerve. In patients, there is a change in the rhythm of heart contractions:

The activity of the parasympathetic system is designed for the night, so at night the heart rhythm disturbance increases. Patients are concerned about pain in the chest, a feeling of lack of air. The defeat of the vagus may be accompanied by a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, or the opposite symptoms when the parasympathetic fibers of the nerve are depressed.

Diagnostics

For the success of treatment, early contact with a specialist and a correct diagnosis are important. The examination should be performed by a neurologist. During the examination, the specialist conducts:

  • checking the timbre of the voice and pronunciation of words;
  • examination of the soft palate (a sign of defeat - sagging), the position of the tongue (it deviates to the unaffected side).

Swallowing disorders are determined using a glass of water: patients with nerve lesions tend to cough when swallowing. Additionally, the doctor may prescribe the study:

  • laryngoscopy to determine the condition of the vocal cords;
  • radiography;
  • electrocardiogram.

Treatment

To achieve a positive result in the treatment of the vagal nerve, it is necessary to determine the cause of the disease and eliminate it. Sometimes the patient's well-being improves after plasmapheresis - blood purification. A positive result can be achieved with the help of electrical stimulation of the nerve - the direction of diadynamic currents in the area of ​​pain sensation.

Medical therapy

Nerve treatment is predominantly performed conservative methods. In exceptional severe cases appoint surgical intervention. Therapy of the affected vagus is carried out with the following drugs:

  • anti-inflammatory - Meloxicam, Nise;
  • antihistamines - Suprastin;
  • a complex of vitamins;
  • anticholinesterase - Neuromidin, Prozerin;
  • hormonal - Prednisolone.

ethnoscience

You can use the methods of traditional medicine as an addition to the prescription of a doctor and with his consent, but you cannot self-medicate the vagus. To improve well-being, you can prepare tea from herbs:

  1. Pour 1 tablespoon of thyme with 50 milliliters of boiling water and leave for 15 minutes. Scheme of administration: divide into 4 servings and drink.
  2. Pour a glass of boiling water 2 tablespoons of a mixture of mint and lemon balm, leave for 20 minutes, divide into 2 portions and drink.

A bath will help calm the body. The water temperature should be 33 degrees. To prepare a bath, pour a mixture of herbs with 10 liters of boiling water and leave for 6 hours. The mix options are:

  • calamus root, yarrow, oregano, pine buds;
  • sage leaves, valerian root.

Nerve Strengtheners

You can avoid the disease by taking a complex of vitamins that strengthen nerve cells, help the body fight fatigue, and improve mood. Vitamins A, B, C, E are useful. As antidepressants, sedatives products can be used:

Vagus prevention

To avoid damage to the vagus, it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle, give up bad habits. To prevent stressful situations, you need to plan your working day. Disease prevention includes:

Video

The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials of the article do not call for self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and make recommendations for treatment based on individual characteristics specific patient.

About the vagus nerve

The value of the vagus nerve

The normal functioning of this nerve provides the following vital functions of the human body:

the work of the respiratory system;

work of the heart muscle.

Causes of pathologies associated with the work of the vagus nerve

Diseases that are based on a problem associated with the work of the 10th pair of nerves are treated relying solely on the external symptomatic picture. The main factors in the development of pathology are:

  • Damage or pinching of the vagus nerve during surgery.
  • Negative effect on the nerve of increased blood sugar concentration in diabetes mellitus.
  • Diseases of the respiratory system of viral etiology.
  • heavy chronic diseases(for example, HIV or Parkinson's disease).
  • Chronic alcoholism, against which the patient develops alcoholic neuropathy.

Signs of pathology

The specificity of the symptoms of the disease depends on which part of the vagus nerve is affected, therefore, the treatment is individual for each specific case.

  • Head department: a person suffers from a systematic intense headache, he is also tormented by painful discomfort in the ear area.
  • Cervical region: paralysis of the pharyngeal muscles occurs, as a result of which the timbre of the voice changes, suffocation may occur.
  • Thoracic region: problems with the work of the respiratory system and heart begin, which are manifested by shortness of breath, chest pain, inability to take full lungs of air, weakening of the cough reflex, pneumonia.
  • Abdominal region: the patient has a disorder gastrointestinal tract, the peritoneum hurts, vomiting often opens.
  • The cardiovascular system with the defeat of the vagus nerve suffers the most. This most negatively affects the general condition of the patient: the pulse rate decreases, the heart hurts, there is a feeling of lack of air, it seems that there is a lump in the throat.
  • If the nucleus of the vagus nerve is damaged, this will certainly affect the state of the autonomic system, the tone of which rises or falls excessively. External manifestations disorders are as follows: general lethargy of the body, apathetic behavior (increased tone); irritability and irascibility over trifles (low tone).

Types of pathologies with a pinched vagus nerve

A pinched vagus nerve turns into angioedema and neurasthenia for a person. The first group of diseases is based on vascular dysfunctions, the second group is based on high excitability of the central nervous system and nervous exhaustion.

  • Migraine is a prolonged attack of severe headache that bothers a person from time to time (episodic).
  • Meniere's disease - the peripheral part of the central nervous system and the brain suffers, in connection with which dizziness appears, the quality of hearing decreases.
  • Raynaud's disease - there is a disorder of the nervous system as a whole. On this basis, the hands, feet and certain parts of the face turn pale and become cold, excessive irascibility appears in the character of the patient.

Treatment of diseases of the vagus nerve

The prognosis for this disorder is rather unfavorable: pathologies of the nerve fiber are very difficult to treat. That is why any signs of a nervous breakdown are a compelling reason to see a doctor.

  • hormonal drugs (eg, prednisone, hydrocortisone);
  • vitamin complexes with a predominance of B vitamins;
  • antiallergic drugs;
  • anticholinesterase drugs - medicines of this group suppress the activity of the enzyme, due to which the excitation impulse enters the nervous system (for example, Neuromidin, Prozerin).

In the treatment of disorders that are associated with a pinched vagus nerve, physiotherapy methods are often used. Good results shows treatment with diadynamic currents in the place of pain concentration.

Folk methods of treating pathology

According to Medicine notes that traditional medicine does not play a special role in the treatment of lesions of the vagus nerve. With the help of herbal medicine, you can to some extent reduce the intensity of the manifestation of the symptoms of the disease, but in no way cure it. However, if you wish, you can use the experience of traditional medicine to enhance traditional treatment, after informing your doctor about this.

  • Take 1 tbsp. l. dried thyme herb and pour it with 50 ml of boiling water, then leave the remedy for a quarter of an hour. Divide the drink into 4 servings and drink throughout the day.
  • Mix dried herb mint and lemon balm and pour 2 tbsp. l. mixture with 1 cup boiling water, let the product brew for 20 minutes. Divide the serving into 2 equal portions and drink throughout the day.
  • A handful of fresh clover flowers pour 200 ml of boiling water, leave for half an hour. Then strain and drink the drink in 2-3 doses.

To alleviate the patient's condition in disorders caused by lesions of the vagus nerve, therapeutic baths are also used.

  • To prepare the bath, you will need calamus root, yarrow, oregano herb and pine buds. Take 5-6 tbsp. l. each remedy and pour this mixture with 10 liters of boiling water. The fragrant "medicine" needs about 5-6 hours to infuse and acquire the desired concentration. When the specified time has elapsed, pour the infusion into hot water and immerse yourself in the healing liquid for about 15-20 minutes. In this case, you need to completely relax. Remember that the water temperature should not exceed 33°C.
  • A visible positive effect has proven itself a bath, which includes the following sedative components: calamus root, lavender, rosemary leaves and leaves peppermint. You will need 3 tbsp. l. each herbal remedy - the mixture must be poured with 10 liters of boiling water. Infuse the "medicine" for 6 hours, then filter and mix with hot water in the bath. You can stay in the water for 10 to 20 minutes. Therapeutic bath stimulates the activity of the nervous, respiratory and cardiac systems, eliminates inflammation and painful migraines.
  • With pathologies of the vagus nerve, a bath prepared according to the following recipe will not hurt: take 0.5 tbsp. dry crushed sage leaves and valerian root and pour this mixture into 8 liters of boiling water. Give the product 5-6 hours to infuse, and then pour it into a bath of water, the temperature of which is several degrees higher than room temperature. Sit in the fragrant liquid for 10-15 minutes, completely relaxing. Therapeutic bath effectively eliminates headaches, relieves spasms in case of disorders of the digestive system, improves coronary circulation.

Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to completely recover from the effects of a pinched vagus nerve. In order not to be a victim of a serious illness, you need to carefully monitor the state of your nervous system. Even if there are minor suspicious symptoms, it is better to consult a doctor for competent treatment. Negligence towards one's own health and illiterate self-treatment have not yet benefited anyone.

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Vagotonia (vagotonic VVD, dysfunction): what is it, causes, signs and manifestations, treatment

Vagotonia (parasympathicotonia) is a complex condition provoked by excessive tone of the vagus nerve, which regulates the activity of internal organs, endocrine glands, and blood vessels. It is not an independent disease and has several dozen symptoms, which makes it difficult to diagnose, but the established vagotonia is undoubtedly a reason for observation and, in many cases, appropriate treatment.

Vagotonia is extremely common among children and adolescents. According to statistics, more than half of children with non-communicable pathology come to the pediatrician with this problem. Adults are also increasingly faced with vagotonia. The reason for this is the declining physical activity of the population, an unhealthy lifestyle, high level stress, excessive physical and emotional stress at work and at home.

Many symptoms of vagotonia are similar to serious illness heart, lungs, endocrine system, but they are functional in nature, although over time and without appropriate correction they threaten to develop into somatic pathology and severe psychical deviations, so vagotonia is always a reason to see a doctor.

Therapists, neurologists, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists are engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition, depending on the prevailing symptoms.

In many cases, vagotonia is a diagnosis of exclusion, that is, the patient is fully examined, no organic changes were found in the heart, lungs, or brain, but the symptoms of bradycardia, hypotension, and dyspeptic disorders continue to disturb. In such cases, there is no doubt the presence of dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system.

Autonomic dysfunction, or vegetative-vascular dystonia (VVD) is a broader concept that includes a disorder of the activity of the autonomic nervous system as a whole, and vagotonia is a frequent case of it, one of the varieties, therefore, in the diagnosis, the patient can see "VVD by vagotonic type". This means that the reason for everything is the vagus nerve, which does not “work” quite correctly.

Causes of vagotonia

vagal hypertonicity - the cause of vagotonia

The vagus nerve (paired) goes from the brain to the organs of the chest and abdominal cavity. It carries not only motor and sensory fibers, but also vegetative ones, which provide impulses to the lungs, digestive system, glands, and heart. An increase in its tone provokes a spasm of smooth muscles, increased motor activity intestines and stomach, slowing of the heartbeat, which is observed with vagotonia.

There is no single cause that causes vagotonic disorders. As a rule, this is a complex adverse factors affecting a person at the same time. In a number of cases, hereditary predisposition and constitutional features are noted, which “pour out” into vagotonia under the influence of external causes.

Women are subject to vagotonia several times more than the male population. The disorder may first manifest itself in childhood or adolescence, and by the age it will acquire the character of a persistent and pronounced disorder. According to some reports, signs of vagotonia are found in more than half of all people on the planet.

Most probable causes vagotonic syndrome are considered:

  • Head injuries, concussions, intrauterine hypoxia and birth injuries;
  • Increased intracranial pressure;
  • Emotional overload, stress, strong and prolonged experiences;
  • Disorders of the function of the digestive system, respiration;
  • Hypodynamia;
  • The presence of chronic foci of infection;
  • Metabolic disorders, diabetes mellitus;
  • Heredity;
  • Change of climatic zones;
  • Age - children, adolescents, menopausal women.

Vagotonia in children is associated with the natural immaturity of some elements of nervous regulation, rapid physical growth and hormonal changes V teenage years, and in women it is often provoked by pregnancy and childbirth, the onset of menopause. These conditions are not a disease, they are natural, but can manifest themselves as a variety of autonomic disorders.

Manifestations of vagotonic syndrome

VVD according to the vagotonic type has a very diverse symptomatology, which leads the patient to search for various causes of disorders, suspicion of having a severe organic pathology of the internal organs, and depressive disorders.

the predominance of the parasympathetic nervous system over the sympathetic one is a characteristic feature of the vagotonic type of VSD (= parasympathicotonia)

Heterogeneous signs of vagotonia that do not fit into a single pathological process, force doctors to repeatedly examine patients in order to exclude somatic pathology. Some patients are treated by a psychotherapist, but continue to suffer from dysfunction of the digestive system, bradycardia, etc., others manage to get rid of some subjective symptoms, but apathy and panic attacks do not allow them to live in peace.

In this regard, in patients with probable hypotension, all complaints should be carefully weighed, correlating them with data. objective examinations to avoid overdiagnosis of somatic pathology and incorrect prescriptions in treatment.

Vagotonia may be varying degrees severity ranged from mild to severe. Downstream are distinguished:

  1. Paroxysmal form, when symptoms appear in attacks against the background of stress, exacerbation chronic infection overwork or lack of sleep;
  2. Permanent;
  3. Hidden.

Depending on the systems affected by the pathological process, a generalized form of VVD is distinguished according to the vagotonic type (disorders from many organ systems), systemic, when complaints are limited to one of the organ systems, and localized (local) - dysfunction of one organ is concerned.

The most characteristic symptoms of vagotonia are:

  • Cardiac group - rare contractions of the heart (bradycardia), a tendency to low blood pressure (hypotension), pain and a feeling of constriction in the heart, fading in the chest;
  • A complex of respiratory disorders - shortness of breath, resembling that of an asthma attack, respiratory arrhythmia, a feeling of lack of air, unexplained bouts of dry, agonizing cough;
  • digestive system dysfunction - sensation of a lump in the throat, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite to its complete absence, rumbling in the stomach, belching, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea or constipation;
  • Disorders of the brain - heaviness and pain in the head, weakness, drowsiness during the day and insomnia at night, a tendency to apathy, depression, hypochondria, lethargy and lethargy, poor concentration, memory loss, episodes of panic attacks, a feeling of unreality of what is happening;
  • Vestibular disorders - dizziness and fainting.

In addition to the above, patients with VVD of the vagotonic type also experience other symptoms - poor tolerance of heat and cold, chilliness, heavy sweating, fluctuations in body temperature towards its decrease, itching of the skin and a tendency to allergies, a runny nose without an obvious infectious cause, overweight bodies with reduced appetite, meteorological dependence and deterioration of health during sudden changes in weather conditions.

Most frequent signs with vagotonic syndrome - weakness, hypotension, bradycardia, shortness of breath, non-localized pain in the abdomen and chest, dizziness and decreased resistance to any kind of stress, fatigue. Vagotonia is accompanied by sleep disturbance - patients find it difficult to fall asleep, sleep restlessly or suffer from insomnia, but are sleepy during the day.

In adults and children with vagotonia, it changes appearance: the skin becomes pale or even cyanotic, the limbs are often cold to the touch, disturbed heavy sweating, weight gain with a small amount of food consumed.

A typical vagotonic is apathetic, indecisive, unsure of himself, prone to introspection, sensitively listens to the extremely diverse symptoms of VVD and seeks to visit as many doctors as possible, often trying to convince them of the presence of a terrible and incurable disease. The vagotonic describes his complaints quite colorfully, paying maximum attention to each manifestation. Fear of a serious illness and constant search for it lead to deep depressive disorders and even suicidal tendencies.

Vagotonics quickly get tired, lack initiative, are extremely sensitive to criticism from the outside, while they tend to plunge into a state of daydreaming and purely personal inner experiences, which makes them even more difficult. social adaptation, training, labor activity.

Often, changes in character and psycho-emotional status come to the fore among other manifestations of vagotonia. Patients have difficulty remembering any information, especially concrete facts, while imaginative thinking remains quite good.

Many find it difficult to work both mentally and physically due to constant feeling fatigue and weakness, daytime sleepiness. Subjective discomfort can lead to serious neurosis and neurasthenia, irritability, causeless mood swings, tearfulness and incontinence.

Vagotonia can be chronic, when the symptoms are constantly disturbing, but crises are also possible with a sudden sharp deterioration well-being. A mild crisis lasts about a quarter of an hour and is characterized by any one symptom - sweating, bradycardia, fainting. A moderate crisis is longer, takes up to 20 minutes and is accompanied by a variety of manifestations - dizziness, heart pain, decreased pressure, heart failure or slowing down of its work, abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc. Severe crises occur with severe vegetative symptoms, affecting many organs, convulsions and loss of consciousness are possible. After a severe attack, the patient feels weakness, weakness, and apathy for the next few days.

In children, vagotonic dysfunction manifests itself:

  1. Paleness, cyanosis of the peripheral parts of the body;
  2. Increased sweating and swelling;
  3. Allergic mood;
  4. Chilliness and sensitivity to changes in the weather.

Among the complaints of children with VVD of the hypotonic type, shortness of breath, a feeling of lack of air, and weakness predominate. These symptoms are especially pronounced in the presence of obstructive bronchitis, frequent respiratory infections.

Vagotonic children suffer from poor appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, spasms in the esophagus, and pharynx. Babies of the first year of life are prone to spitting up, the first few years are disturbed by constipation and diarrhea for no apparent reason. With age, the stool normalizes, but abdominal pain may persist until adolescence.

Vagotonia affects the general and intellectual development a child who is overweight, does not tolerate sports and therefore does not go in for them. Constant fatigue and lack good sleep make it difficult to learn and assimilate information, the child may lag behind the program at school, and there is no question of attending additional classes and sections at all.

Vagotonic dysfunction has no clear diagnostic criteria, including - established with the help of objective research methods. ECG in such patients shows bradycardia, blockades of conduction up to severe forms. An ultrasound examination can detect dilated chambers of the heart due to a decrease in its tone. General and biochemical blood tests and hormonal status usually not shown obvious deviations from the norm.

Ways to deal with vagotonia

The treatment of vagotonia includes a number of non-drug measures that can independently help to cope with the disorder. With their ineffectiveness or severe course autonomic dysfunction appointed medications depending on the predominant symptom.

Treatment of vagotonia should be long-term, complex and individually selected in accordance with age, complaints, comorbidities. Be sure to take into account the characteristics of the psyche and the emotional component of the patient, the type of personality and the degree of intellectual development.

The main directions in the correction of vagotonic disorders are:

  • Normalization of the regime, nutrition, physical activity;
  • medical support;
  • Treatment concomitant pathology and chronic foci of infection.

The first thing the doctor will do is recommend normalizing the regime: sleep should be at least 10 hours, walks - 2-3 hours a day (especially important for children), work and rest should alternate, TV viewing should be limited as much as possible, work at the computer.

Physical exercise is an essential component of treatment for both children and adults. Useful gymnastics, water treatments, swimming pool and even simple walking. Coniferous, radon baths, douches, which increase the overall vascular tone, have a good effect on vagotonic children. Doctors do not recommend group and traumatic sports.

The nutrition of patients with vagotonia should be complete, rich in vitamins and minerals. With hypotension, you can not limit the amount of drinking, tea and coffee, chocolate, cereals, legumes are recommended. Pediatricians advise children to give honey, juices or compotes from raisins, rose hips, sea buckthorn, viburnum at night.

Psychotherapy is considered the most important measure in the correction of autonomic dysfunction, and individual work with a psychologist or psychotherapist brings greater results than group classes, due to the peculiarities of the emotional response of vagotonics.

Among non-drug methods normalization of autonomic function - physiotherapy: electrophoresis with a solution of mezaton or caffeine with a tendency to hypotension and bradycardia. Massage of the calf muscles, hands, back and neck allows you to fight low blood pressure. Good effect gives acupuncture.

When correct mode, food, sports do not bring desired result, drug therapy is prescribed:

  1. Sedative herbs - sage, valerian, motherwort - for both children and adults alternate courses for three months to a year with breaks of 2-4 weeks, additionally - sedative teas;
  2. Antidepressants, tranquilizers - diazepam for anxiety, insomnia, grandaxin, medazepam, noofen for asthenia with hypotension;
  3. For severe anxiety disorders, tics, panic attacks, hypochondriacal and depressive states, it is possible to use neuroleptics - sonapax, frenolon, etc. (only as prescribed by a psychiatrist or psychotherapist!);
  4. Nootropics and Metabolism Boosters nervous tissue- piracetam, encephabol, pantogam, glycine, cerebrolysin;
  5. With severe hypotension, asthenia, bradycardia, a tendency to faint, caffeine, tincture of ginseng, eleutherococcus are indicated, which increase vascular tone and blood pressure (are prescribed for both adults and children);
  6. If vagotonia is provoked by high intracranial pressure - diuretics (diacarb), trental, cavinton to improve cerebral blood flow;
  7. B vitamins, ascorbic acid, antioxidants, magnesium and calcium preparations.

In the treatment of vagotonia, it is important that the chosen scheme is individual, taking into account the manifestations of the disorder in a particular patient and the characteristics of his emotional response. Children need the support and help of their parents, who, in turn, must trust their doctors and create the most peaceful environment at home.

Vagotonia is not a disease yet, but if it is not properly addressed, it risks turning into a serious pathology - angina pectoris, cholelithiasis, depression and even stroke, so these patients should not be ignored. Vagotonics should know that in most cases it is enough to normalize the regime, nutrition and go in for sports, eliminating stress and anxiety, so that the vegetative tone returns to normal.

Functions of the vagus nerve

There are 3 nuclei of the vagus nerve:

Thus, the branches of the vagus nerve connect the brain and most of the vital important organs. This is due to a wide range of functions performed by this nerve formation.

Processes controlled by the vagus nerve:

  • activity of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, stomach and pancreas;
  • speech;
  • swallowing, vomiting and cough reflexes.

Causes of defeat

The nervous system is extremely vulnerable, and the vagus nerve is no exception. The main reasons for its damage can be:

Symptoms

Injuries to the vagus nerve have very diverse manifestations, which depend on the mechanism of development of the pathology.

Inflammation of the vagus nerve (neuralgia)

  • voice disorders, up to its significant change and difficulty in pronunciation;
  • violation of the act of swallowing, followed by the development of pathological gag reflexes (uncaused), followed by a feeling of lack of air;
  • dizziness.

Irritation of the vagus nerve (neurasthenia)

Disorders of autonomic innervation (angioneurosis)

Symptoms: dizziness and hearing impairment, caused by disturbances in the functioning of the cerebral vessels due to diseases such as migraine, erythromelalgia, Meniere's and Raynaud's diseases.

Diagnostics

You can determine the pathology even with a visual examination:

For final diagnosis, you must use instrumental methods such as magnetic resonance and computed tomography, x-ray examination of the skull and chest.

Therapy for lesions of the vagus nerve is a complex and lengthy process, which should be carried out only under conditions specialized hospital because vital organs can suffer.

You should never self-medicate, as an incorrect diagnosis or improperly prescribed treatment can lead to irreversible damage to the nervous system, and in severe cases, even death.

traditional medicine

Traditional medicine provides for the treatment of vagus nerve pathology in several areas.

Removing the cause

If the lesion is caused by an infection, antiviral or antibacterial drugs are of primary importance. medicines. With neoplasms and injuries, it can only help surgical intervention to relieve pressure on the nerve trunk.

Symptomatic treatment
Rehabilitation Therapy
  • Milgamma - to normalize the structure of the nerve fiber;
  • Electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve (involves the use of currents directed to the area pain) is able to calm the vagus nerve;
  • Plasmapheresis - blood purification at the cellular level.

Folk remedies

In order to improve well-being, you can take decoctions of thyme, clover, mint with lemon balm. Medicinal baths, which include yarrow, calamus root, oregano grass, pine buds, lavender, rosemary leaves, peppermint leaves, can improve the patient's condition.

Unfortunately, the consequences of lesions of the vagus nerve are practically not amenable to final cure. Therefore, at the first alarming symptoms, you should immediately seek medical help.

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What is the vagus nerve

  1. Head office
  2. Neck department.
  3. Thoracic department.
  4. Abdominal section.

Causes

  • poisoning;
  • chronic alcoholism;
  • trauma;
  • endocrine diseases;
  • tumors.

  • difficulty breathing;
  • constipation or diarrhea;
  • change in heart rate.
Inflammation of the vagus nerve
Tone

Irritation
  • slow heartbeat,
Vagus nerve and arrhythmia

Diagnostics

  • radiography;
  • electrocardiogram.

Medical therapy

  • anti-inflammatory– Meloxicam, Nise;
  • antihistamines - Suprastin;
  • a complex of vitamins;
  • anticholinesterase - Neuromidin, Prozerin;
  • hormonal - Prednisolone.

ethnoscience

Vagus prevention

Prevention diseases include:

What is nervus vagus - location, structure and functions, symptoms and treatment of diseases

What is the vagus nerve

  1. Head office. The vagus enters this part after leaving the skull, due to the branches of the nerve, the meninges are innervated in the cranial cavity, the posterior wall of the external auditory canal near the temporal bone.
  2. Neck department. Here, the nerve fibers are located in the muscles of the pharynx, vocal cords, soft palate, and uvula. In the neck, the vagus fibers are located partially in the thyroid gland and in the mucous membranes: pharynx, larynx, epiglottis and root of the tongue.
  3. Thoracic department. The nerve enters this zone through a hole in the diaphragm, its branches form plexuses: cardiac, pulmonary and esophageal.
  4. Abdominal section. Here the vagus descends through the esophagus through a hole in the membrane and goes to the stomach, liver, pancreas.

Vagus consists of a complex of fibers of three types:

Causes

It is impossible to overestimate the value of the vagus, a violation of the function of the vagus nerve leads to:

  • failures in the activity of the respiratory organs, heart muscle, endocrine glands, digestive system;
  • disorders of blood pressure regulation.

Problems can arise in the peripheral part of the vagus, these include:

  • infectious diseases (dysentery, sinusitis);
  • poisoning;
  • chronic alcoholism;
  • trauma;
  • endocrine diseases;
  • tumors.

Manifestations of nerve damage depend on: localization, cause of occurrence, degree of damage. Intracranial damage can involve all three types of vagus fibers and have severe consequences - paralysis of both nerve trunks, dysfunction and death. The following symptoms may indicate damage to the vagus:

  • dysfunction of swallowing;
  • violation of the timbre of the voice, the appearance of hoarseness;
  • difficulty breathing;
  • constipation or diarrhea;
  • change in heart rate.
Inflammation of the vagus nerve

Signs of inflammation of the vagus depend on the location of the source of the lesion:

Tone

The autonomic nervous system consists of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers that balance their activity. Their normal interaction determines a healthy tone. The good work of the vegetative system is evidenced by:

  • positive mood of a person;
  • a slight increase in heart rate after inhalation, its decrease after exhalation;
  • ability to manage their emotions in stressful situations.

When the nerve is damaged, the autonomic system suffers, a malfunction in the activity of the parasympathetic fibers of the vagus leads to the manifestation of symptoms of neurasthenia:

  • lethargy, apathy with increased tone;
  • irascibility and irritability with reduced tone.
Irritation

Serious disturbances in the activity of internal organs occur when the vegetative fibers of the nerve are irritated. The activity of the parasympathetic fibers of the vagus is aimed at:

  • expansion of blood vessels,
  • slow heartbeat,
  • decreased contraction of bronchial smooth muscle
  • stimulation of the secretory function of the glands of the abdominal cavity,
  • the occurrence of cough as a protective reaction.
Vagus nerve and arrhythmia

The cause of a violation in the work of the cardiovascular system may be damage to the vagal nerve. In patients, there is a change in the rhythm of heart contractions:

Diagnostics

For the success of treatment, early contact with a specialist and a correct diagnosis are important. The examination should be performed by a neurologist. During the examination, the specialist conducts:

  • checking the timbre of the voice and pronunciation of words;
  • examination of the soft palate (a sign of defeat - sagging), the position of the tongue (it deviates to the unaffected side).

Swallowing disorders are determined using a glass of water: patients with nerve lesions tend to cough when swallowing. Additionally, the doctor may prescribe the study:

  • laryngoscopy to determine the condition of the vocal cords;
  • radiography;
  • electrocardiogram.

To achieve a positive result in the treatment of the vagal nerve, it is necessary to determine the cause of the disease and eliminate it. Sometimes the patient's well-being improves after plasmapheresis - blood purification. A positive result can be achieved with the help of electrical stimulation of the nerve - the direction of diadynamic currents in the area of ​​pain sensation.

Medical therapy

Predominantly, the treatment of the nerve is carried out by conservative methods. In exceptional severe cases, surgical intervention is prescribed. Therapy of the affected vagus is carried out with the following drugs:

  • anti-inflammatory– Meloxicam, Nise;
  • antihistamines - Suprastin;
  • a complex of vitamins;
  • anticholinesterase - Neuromidin, Prozerin;
  • hormonal - Prednisolone.

ethnoscience

You can use the methods of traditional medicine as an addition to the prescription of a doctor and with his consent, but you cannot self-medicate the vagus. To improve well-being, you can prepare tea from herbs:

  1. Pour 1 tablespoon of thyme with 50 milliliters of boiling water and leave for 15 minutes. Scheme of administration: divide into 4 servings and drink.
  2. Pour a glass of boiling water 2 tablespoons of a mixture of mint and lemon balm, leave for 20 minutes, divide into 2 portions and drink.

A bath will help calm the body. The water temperature should be 33 degrees. To prepare a bath, pour a mixture of herbs with 10 liters of boiling water and leave for 6 hours. The mix options are:

  • calamus root, yarrow, oregano, pine buds;
  • sage leaves, valerian root.

Nerve Strengtheners

Vagus prevention

To avoid damage to the vagus, it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle, give up bad habits. To prevent stressful situations, you need to plan your working day. Prevention diseases include:

The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials of the article do not call for self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give recommendations for treatment based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

http://sovets.net/12915-bluzhdayucshij-nerv.html

When was the last time you had to deal with a stressful situation with dignity? Have you completed this task? Every day there is more and more evidence that everyday attitudes and behaviors can create a positive snowball effect through the activation of the circuit. feedback associated with stimulation of the human vagus nerve.

That is why the editors of Estet-portal decided to tell you about good habits, which will help maintain the tone of the vagus nerve and allow you to maintain calm, composure and composure in tense situations.

Signs of a healthy vagus nerve tone

A healthy tone of the vagus nerve is indicated by a slight increase in heart rate as you inhale and its decrease on expiration. Deep diaphragmatic breathing - with a deep and slow exhalation - is the key to stimulating the vagus nerve and slowing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure, mainly in conditions of tension and pressure. A high vagal tone is associated with mental and physiological health. Conversely, a low vagal tone is accompanied by inflammation, bad mood, feelings of loneliness, and even heart attacks.

Hardworking athletes are known to have higher vagal tone as they engage in aerobic activity. breathing exercises leading to a decrease in heart rate. Heart health is directly related to vagus nerve stimulation, since during the latter, the production of a substance called "vagus nerve substance" or, in scientific terms, acetylcholine, is launched. By the way, this substance is the first neurotransmitter discovered by scientists.

Acetylcholine is by nature a tranquilizer that is introduced into the body with just a few deep breaths and slow exhalations. You can consciously regulate the action of the vagus nerve to calm down when necessary. Awareness of this fact is enough to reduce the fear of fear itself and to get out of a stressful situation with dignity.

What is the vagus nerve?

The vagus nerve got its name because from its trunk, located in the cerebellum, departs a large number of branches, as well as the brain stem, which reaches the organs located at the very bottom of the abdominal cavity, affecting the main large organs in its path.

The vagus nerve constantly sends sensitive information about the state of the body's organs to the brain. In fact, 80-90% of the nerve fibers in the vagus nerve are dedicated to transmitting information from internal organs to the brain.

The same communication chain exists in the opposite direction - messages from the brain to the internal organs also come through the vagus nerve, the content of which is a command to calm down or prepare for defense in stressful situations.

Your vagus nerve is the mastermind that helps you stay calm in stressful situations. The autonomic nervous system consists of two diametrically opposed systems that are engaged in a kind of "tug of war" that provides the body with the opportunity to maintain homeostasis.

The sympathetic nervous system is aimed at accelerating the work of the body, performing the function of a kind of gas pedal - it stimulates the production of adrenaline and cortisol in response to stress. The parasympathetic nervous system performs the opposite function. The vagus nerve is the central control point of the parasympathetic nervous system. It is a kind of brake that slows down the body and uses neurotransmitters (acetylcholine and GABA) to reduce heart rate, blood pressure and slow down organs.

Unfortunately, the reflex reactions of the vagus nerve can play a cruel joke on a person. Every time you wind yourself up in front of important event, nervous or worried, the vagus nerve perceives this as a danger, which enhances such negative reactions.

All the physical symptoms of fear of possible failure - a racing heart, sweaty palms, dry mouth, an unpleasant feeling in the stomach, jitters - are the result of the vagus nerve. Fortunately, you can control the vagus nerve to keep you calm in a stressful situation.

Vagus nerve stimulation as a way to stay calm in a stressful situation

  1. Visualization of the vagus nerve

Visualizing the vagus nerve as a source of neurobiological components that create a sense of mental and physical calmness can help you get a grip on yourself. The success of such an exercise lies not only in the placebo effect. Remember every time you do deep breath, You trigger the production of the vagus nerve substance, which lowers heart rate and blood pressure. You can try to calm your vagus nerve by addressing it as if it were a living being.

  1. Constant practice

Your cerebellum stores muscle memory and helps you stay calm in stressful situations. Without consistent practice, we are forced to over-rely on the executive function of the prefrontal cortex. The more you think about something, the more restless is the reaction of the body. This is called analysis paralysis.

  1. Balance between skill and task

The key to a state of calm is to find the ideal point where your skill level exactly matches the task at hand. Get in the habit of gradually expanding your boundaries. Gradually increasing the complexity of the tasks, you will be able to improve your skills and adjust them to more and more complex tasks.

Come up with tasks that do not cause strong fear, however, do not make you bored.

  1. Redefine your priorities and values

Friends, family, good health and generosity play an important role in staying calm in stressful situations. Get in the habit of reviewing the importance of the event from a broader angle, taking into account other things that are important to you. Even if the stakes are high, remember that any failure is an opportunity to learn a valuable lesson.

  1. Use neuroplasticity to develop positive thinking

Positive emotions and acquired optimism reprogram the neural networks associated with mental attitude, which will help you stay calm in stressful situations. The vagus nerve carries signals from organs to the brain and back, and uses them to reprogram your brain through neuroplasticity.

  1. Daily physical activity

Cardiorespiratory activity, strength training, and yoga stimulate vagal tone and balance hormones and neurotransmitters associated with staying calm in stressful situations. Aerobic activity promotes healthy vagal tone through proper diaphragmatic breathing during rhythmic cardiorespiratory exercise. Power training with a focus on strong exhalation help to stimulate the tone of the vagus nerve.

Yoga also improves vagal tone. In addition, it is effective in the treatment of patients with physiological and medical problems associated with stress - depression, anxiety, high blood pressure and heart disease.

There is a hypothesis that stress leads to an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system ( insufficient activity parasympathetic nervous system and increased activity sympathetic nervous system), as well as insufficient activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA.

Eastern and Western medicine merged precisely in yoga. As you know, yoga is able to deal with the imbalance of the nervous system associated with stress.

  1. Anxiety is Contagious: Avoid Anxious People

Especially before an important event. Since anxiety is transmitted from person to person, it is better to protect yourself from negative, cynical or doubting people.

If this is not possible (for example, in waiting rooms, before an interview or exam), use headphones. Turn on your favorite music, close your eyes and don't let other people's feelings spill over onto you. In general, everyone possible ways shield your vagus nerve from negative vibes.

  1. Cultivate love and kindness

To maintain healthy vagal tone, it is important to create and maintain favorable social connections. Good vagal tone is directly related to positive emotions, physical health and positive social connections.

Conclusion: the vagus nerve and self-control

The biological roots of composure, calmness and equanimity have their biological roots in the vagus nerve and are equated with remaining calm in stressful situations.

So use your vagus nerve to keep you balanced and calm. He will always help you to be steadfast and maximize your potential.

We hope that the above tips will help you use the incredible possibilities of your vagus nerve and stay calm in stressful situations.