Trauma disrupts the function of the vagus nerve(s) and can lead to dysfunction in other parts of our body.
Therefore, chronic stress and trauma can negatively impact this nerve leading to issues with your internal processes. Considering the vagus nerve contributes to regulation of many areas of the body at rest, it is imperative for individuals to increase awareness of the mind-body connection.
When the vagus nerve is toned and functions well, the ventral vagal branch serves to activate the parasympathetic system: putting “the brakes” on the sympathetic system arousal, the fight-flight responses that occur through trauma exposure and in PTSD.
Trauma is frequently associated with depression and anxiety via Vagus nerve activity–or lack thereof. This is because the Vagus nerve is responsible for counteracting stress. Depression and anxiety are common responses to trauma, enabled by the sympathetic nervous system.
Trauma disrupts the function of the vagus nerve(s) and can lead to dysfunction in other parts of our body. Damage or displacement of the vagal nuclei may cause changes in the baroreceptor and chemoreceptor reflexes.
When the vagus nerve itself gets damaged, you'll obviously deal with some pain in your neck - but other weird symptoms will present themselves as well. You'll notice issues with your voice, problems with your throat, an increased heart rate, brain fog, excessively high or low blood pressure, and gut problems.
However, chronic stress can impact the vagus nerve in a negative way. 2 This can lead to problems such as anxiety and depression. It can also make the body more susceptible to infections and diseases. 3 Therefore, it is important to manage stress in order to maintain a healthy vagus nerve.
The vagal response is a series of unpleasant symptoms that occur when the vagus nerve is stimulated. Often, this response is triggered by certain things like stress, pain, and fear. Symptoms of the vagal response include dizziness, nausea, ringing ears, and sweating.
“The mammalian vagus nerve regenerates poorly after injury, which can result in loss of speech, difficulty swallowing, abnormal heart rate, and gastroparesis [improper stomach emptying],” the authors explain. In zebrafish, on the other hand, nerve regeneration is generally very successful.
Since the parasympathetic innervation of the lacrimal gland occurs via seventh cranial nerve, a possible co-activation of the vagus nerve with the production of emotional tears is likely the consequence of the activity of higher brain centers stimulating parasympathetic fibers in both of these nerves.
When stressed, our bodies release hormones that activate the sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight response). The vagus nerve helps regulate these stress responses by sending signals back to the brain to slow down the fight-or-flight response.
High levels of stress and anxiety can also trigger the vagus nerve. When overstimulated, it can cause symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness and abdomen pain. However, it is possible to soothe and relax the vagus nerve by utilising breathing exercises that slow the heart rate and relax the body.
Vagus nerve stimulation can improve vagal nerve tone and your ability to respond to stress. With vagus nerve stimulation, you intentionally counteract the signals that cause anxiety.
One of the main ways that you can stimulate the healthy function of the vagus nerve is through deep, slow belly breathing. You can learn to use breathing exercises to shift your focus away from stress or pain.
The most common symptoms of vagus nerve dysfunction include chronic pain, fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, spinning or pulling sensation (in a particular direction), weight loss, poor focusing, exercise intolerance, emotional lability, inflammation, heartburn, bloating, diarrhea, tinnitus, headache, anxiety, ...
Distal vagal lesions occur as an isolated paralysis of the vagus nerve with no symptoms or signs referable to the oropharynx. Either computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging can be used to diagnose proximal or distal lesions.
Your exhale should be long and slow. This is key to stimulating the vagus nerve and reaching a state of relaxation. The vagus nerve is connected to your vocal cords and the muscles at the back of your throat. Singing, humming, chanting and gargling can activate these muscles and stimulate your vagus nerve.
The vagus nerve represents the main component of the parasympathetic nervous system, which oversees a vast array of crucial bodily functions, including control of mood, immune response, digestion, and heart rate.
Damage to the vagus nerve
If the vagus nerve becomes damaged by physical trauma or the growth of a tumor, it may cause digestive symptoms, or hoarseness, paralysis of the vocal cords and slowed heart rate.
Some believe that the vasovagal reaction is an exaggeration of an adaptive response meant to assist in hemostasis in times of trauma. In other words, in the setting of physical trauma, the body reflexively lowers blood pressure and heart rate to reduce the amount of bleeding.