The vagal nerves carry signals between your brain, heart and digestive system. They’re a key part of your parasympathetic nervous system. Vagus nerve damage can lead to gastroparesis, food not moving into your intestines. Some people with vasovagal syncope faint from low blood pressure. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can treat epilepsy and depression. Show
OverviewWhat is the Vagus Nerve?The vagus nerve, also known as the vagal nerves, are the main nerves of your parasympathetic nervous system. This system controls specific body functions such as your digestion, heart rate and immune system. These functions are involuntary, meaning you can’t consciously control them. Your left and right vagal nerves contain 75% of your parasympathetic nervous system’s nerve fibers. These fibers send information between your brain, heart and digestive system. The vagus nerves are the 10th of 12 cranial nerves. The vagus is known as cranial nerve X, the Roman numeral for 10. FunctionWhat is the function of the vagus nerve?Your vagal nerves are part of your body’s nervous system. They play important roles in involuntary sensory and motor (movement) functions, including:
What is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system?Your parasympathetic nervous system controls “rest and digest” functions. It’s the opposite of your sympathetic nervous system’s “fight or flight” response. These two nervous systems make up your autonomic nervous system. This system controls involuntary body activities. AnatomyWhere is the vagus nerve?Your vagus nerves are the longest cranial nerve, running from your brain to your large intestine. Your left vagus nerve travels down the left side of your body. The right vagus nerve travels down the right side of your body. “Vagus” is the Latin word for wandering. Your vagal nerves take a long, winding course through your body. They exit from your medulla oblongata in your lower brainstem. Then, the nerves pass through or connect with your:
What are the vagal nerve branches?Your left and right vagal nerves join to form the vagal trunk. They connect at your esophageal hiatus, the opening where your esophagus passes into your abdominal cavity (belly). The vagal trunk includes anterior (front) and posterior (back) gastric nerves that go to your abdomen. Your vagal nerve branches are:
Conditions and DisordersWhat conditions and disorders affect the vagal nerves?Your vagus nerve can be involved with these conditions:
What are the signs of vagus nerve problems?Vagus nerve conditions cause different symptoms depending on the specific cause and affected part of your nerve. You may experience:
What is vagus nerve stimulation?Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) uses electrical impulses to stimulate your left vagus nerve. Healthcare providers implant a small device in your chest, under your skin. A wire runs under your skin connecting the device and nerve. The device sends mild, painless electrical signals through your left vagus nerve to your brain. These impulses calm down irregular electrical activity in your brain. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved VNS to treat epilepsy and depression that doesn’t respond to standard therapies. It’s also being investigated for the treatment of:
How are vagus nerve disorders diagnosed?Your healthcare provider may order one of these tests to diagnose a problem with your vagal nerves:
What are common treatments for vagus nerve disorders?Treatments for gastroparesis include:
Treatments for vasovagal syncope include:
CareHow can I protect my vagal nerves?These lifestyle changes can keep your nervous system healthy:
When should I talk to a doctor?You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:
A note from Cleveland Clinic Your vagal nerves play key roles in helping your body manage involuntary functions like heart rate, breathing and digestion. Damage to your vagal nerves can cause digestive problems like gastroparesis. Healthcare providers use VNS to send electrical signals to your brain. These impulses calm down irregular electrical activity in your brain. Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/11/2022. References
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What are the symptoms of an overactive vagus nerve?What are the signs of vagus nerve problems?. Abdominal pain and bloating.. Acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD).. Changes to heart rate, blood pressure or blood sugar.. Difficulty swallowing or loss of gag reflex.. Dizziness or fainting.. Hoarseness, wheezing or loss of voice.. Can stimulating the vagus nerve lower blood pressure?Selective stimulation of the vagal nerve reduces blood pressure without side effects.
What problems can the vagus nerve cause?There are many other issues that the vagus nerve affects. These include unusual symptoms of feeling warm, nausea, tunnel vision, ear ringing, sweating, slow or irregular heartbeat or low blood pressure. These symptoms can be from the spinal cord nerves miscommunicating with the vagus nerve.
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