Talk:Vagus nerve

Questionable Claims
There are questionable claims in this article about vasotomy and Parkinson's disease. This research is too limited and too recent to be presented in the way it is. I recommend that the claim that vasotomy "prevents" Parkinson's disease be toned down or the paragraph in question be removed altogether.

The article should probably also contain a preemptive mention of the pseudoscientific theory called polyvagal theory in clinical psychology and counseling, labeling it as such and cautioning readers against the theory. 68.189.135.150 (talk)

Location
Where exactly is the vagus nerve? (asked 70.57.70.99).
 * Well, like the article says: "starts in the brainstem (somewhere in the medulla oblongata) and extends way down past the head, all the way down to the abdomen." Don't know that I'd phrase it exactly like that, but it gets the idea across. -- Dcfleck 19:44, 2005 Apr 23 (UTC)


 * Perhaps naming the organs enervated would be helpful? I know that it enervates as far south (distal) as the uterus and large colon. Thank you, Wordreader (talk) 12:50, 25 July 2014 (UTC)

Vagus nerve and knockouts
I don't know if anyone wants to mention this, but the common boxing/martial arts knockouts from being hit on the chin are due to the jaws forcing back onto the Vagus nerves just behind the jaws. I thought that was a pretty neat fact. Amnion (talk) 14:46, 18 September 2008 (UTC) Sounds like bullshit... When you bite on a mouthpiece strongly (which fighters prefer to do before getting hit) it is actually easier to break the jaw than to move it even a bit. Just try it... Also you may try a good sharp punch on your chin while biting on a mouthpiece it will shake your brain just fine. With loose jaw (fatigue and inattentiveness) this may actually happen, but then you already lost because you were already beaten silly beforehand.
 * Well, seeing as "this may actually happen", might I ask that someone that actually knows something look in on the Chin (boxing) Article? Exit2DOS • Ctrl • Alt • Del 15:58, 2 August 2011 (UTC)

Pranayama Reference
Please reference research backing: "Mild degree of intermittent VNS by daily performance of certain breathing exercises (Pranayama) over a period of several weeks lowers blood pressure and the heart rate in persons with elevated blood pressure and/or elevated heart rate."

Psychology today had useful articles which may provide a reference. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 165.255.120.189 (talk) 23:35, 19 February 2018 (UTC)

Vagus nerve problems
I have a good friend who was about to undergo a vasectomy, when the doctor inserted a needle to numb the area my friend went into a seizure. The procedure was stopped and he was told to see a cardiologist. Before the appointment he was having trouble breathing, his heart would start to race and he was very tired. He went to the hospital but all cardiac tests showed nothing wrong. The symptoms still persist 3 weeks after their onset. Any information would be appreciated.


 * Sorry, but this is the wrong place to ask for medical advice. I hope your friend recovers. -Will Beback 21:25, 7 March 2006 (UTC)

This nerve supplies motor and sensory parasympathetic fibers to virtually everything from the neck down to the first third of the transverse colon can i change that? cause like this one could think it gies motor innervation to everything til the transverse colon, and if i remember right its down to the two thirds of the transverse colon. And is it ok to say sensory parasympathetic? why not simply parasympathetic, without sensory. Someone explain me please user:gaboo
 * There are several things wrong with that sentence and your proposed edit. It does not give motor inntervation down to the second third of the transverse colon, it gives parasympathetic all the way down to and inc. 2/3 of the transverse colon. It gives motor to diff muscles, as described already in the article. I would say that 'parasympathetic' is fine, although 'sensory parasympthetic' is not wrong. Snellios (talk) 17:24, 18 April 2008 (UTC)

Effects of cutting vagus nerve
What symtoms would someone expect if the Vagus nerve was cut during a hiatal hernia operation? Will this nerve grow back together without surgery over time? -- unsigned comment by 70.255.180.205, 5/3/2006

Wow, that might really mess you up. But I don't know that much about the nerve so could someone else answer that question? I would like to know as well. -- Anonymous

Vagolytic v. vagotonia
I suppose vagotonia would be the opposite of what is mentioned in the article as vagolytic innervation. Maybe that could be mentioned, as I am working on an article which references this term (vagotonia). __meco 16:33, 7 June 2006 (UTC)

Backwards Explanation
I believe these statements are incorrect: "Symptoms of nervousness, especially in a social context, such as increased heart rate/palpitation, impediment or inability to speak, stomach irritation, and excessive perspiration are caused in part by the vagus nerve.

An effective method of curbing these symptoms is by taking a deep breath, and forcefully blowing out through a small hole in your mouth, letting your cheeks puff out. This puts pressure on the nerve, and tells it to reset."

The symptoms mentioned are mostly due to increased sympathetic activity rather than withdrawal of resting vagal tone, and the maneuver described, sort of a mini-Valsalva, will act as a vagal stimulus alright, but the 'press the reset button' explanation is lacking.Moioci 02:25, 13 July 2006 (UTC)


 * Moioci is correct. Stimulation of the Vagus nerve decreases the heart rate and the blood pressure, too. Thus, the mini-Valsalva was mentioned. Depending on your personal physiology, use it with caution, though. Ask your MD first. Thank you, Wordreader (talk) 13:13, 25 July 2014 (UTC)

Outrunning the Vagus Nerve
I was chatting to a friend about vagus nerve, and apparently it tells you when you are full (have eaten enough). There is nothing in this article about that sensation, or 'outrunning the vagus nerve' (eating as much as you can in the 20 minutes before the nerve recognises that you are full). Is this all correct? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 137.166.4.130 (talk) 04:01, August 25, 2006 (UTC)

"Full-time fetus"?
The vagus nerve is a pathway not an interpreter. It carrys the message to a part of the brain that then interprets the message that you are full. get a decent medical book and its quite simple. ( tutoria)

Vagus Nerve and Acupuncture
The comment regarding the rare occurance of accupunture hitting the vagus nerve needs better attribution/verification/citation. The link to the rotary club and yingyang website do not back up the statement. User:J. Bryant Evans 03:20, 6 April 2007 (UTC)


 * It happened, will look for citation User:Sweetmoose6


 * Please don't think I am questioning you -- I'm not. Just needs the reference you are searching for. JB Evans  03:28, 6 April 2007 (UTC)


 * Oh not at all, hope that wasn't short. You're absolutely right, it needs a citation. User:Sweetmoose6


 * Dizziness and fainting have been reported from acupuncture, but I've never heard of seizure attributed to injury of the vagus nerve. It's not reported anywhere at Pubmed, and seems anatomically unlikely.  I'm removing it pending a reliable source.  The problem with unsourced anecdotal claims is addressed at WP:NOTTRUTH.  Thanks, Jim Butler(talk) 07:29, 7 April 2007 (UTC)


 * In the interest of full disclosure my post was deleted by an accupuncturist. The inclusion of my post could have been perceived as a negative occurence (bad for business), and was deleted because our ever so reliable media could not be depended on to produce the story.  While rare, this is a documented occurence and should be examined.  User: Sweetmoose6


 * Actually, I deleted it precisely because there was no documentation. If there is any, go ahead and provide it.  If all you can do is resort to a gratuitious attack on my motivations, your argument isn't very strong.  Have a look at WP:AGF, please.  --Jim Butler(talk) 23:48, 7 April 2007 (UTC)


 * Then I owe you an apology. You're correct about the source issue as I have already stated.  I assume when a source is found you will have no problem with its inclusion.  But as to motivation, there are millions of unsourced statements and anecdotes on Wikipedia (although you are again correct that they are against the policy etc., should be corrected).  It was just curious that an accupuncturist was so quick to remove a potentially very negative story about a serious problem that occured as the result of an accupuncture.   I honestly apologize if that inference was incorrect.  The purpose was to put the story out there so a source could be found where I have not been able to do so.  This type of event has occured before in other places, so it is not an extreme medical claim. User:Sweetmoose6


 * "This type of event has occured before in other places" -- really? Citation, please?  And thanks, apology accepted.  The place to enlist help with sourcing is right here on the article talk page, cf. 2nd para of Wp:v.  regards, Jim Butler(talk) 05:09, 8 April 2007 (UTC)


 * The Vagus nerve is too deep for something as superficial as an acupuncture needle to stab. I don't doubt that persons have passed out from having acupuncture, but would suspect that a needle phobia / Vasovagal response is the much more likely culprit. Thank you, Wordreader (talk) 13:03, 25 July 2014 (UTC)

Vagus Nerve jamming causing fatigue
I have recently seen a Chinese Dr regarding why I am always so tired and rundown. Yes I do have a 21 month old son, however I new it was more than that as my fatigue goes back at least 7 years (I am now 33). He looked at me for only a few minutes and explained that my Vagus nerve on my left side was being jammed by extremely tight neck muscles. This was pushing on my wind pipe making it difficult for me to get a full breath. Also I believe (but do not fully understand as yet) that it is also pushing on my Pitutitary Gland and thus effecting my adrenals. Both these problems would create a very marked drop in my energy levels.

Any comments or further explainations regarding this would be appreciated.

Dude - Go to a doctor. This is not WebMD.Ndriley97 (talk) 00:10, 19 April 2008 (UTC)

Vagus Nerve and Weight loss
I have been hearing in the news about losing weight by having the Vagus nerve cut. Now I caught the tail end of the report and I was unable to get more info. Is there any info on this subject.

Garfield411 (talk) 19:07, 27 April 2008 (UTC)Garfield411Garfield411 (talk) 19:07, 27 April 2008 (UTC)

Depends on where you cut the vagus. The vagus nerve is the parasympathetic supply for the heart, losing it would result in a heart racing out of control, if it is damaged higher up it could result in a nasal twang.

Vagus nerve pop references
In the sci-fi novel Relfex - Stephen Gould's sequel to novel-turned-movie Jumper - the main character, David Rice, receives an implant that stimulates the vagus nerve. The implant - when triggered - causes intense nausea, loss of muscle control, and temporary paralysis. It is used to enslave the teleporter to do the antagonist's bidding.

Better organization for "innervation" section needed
May I suggest that the innervation section be subdivided into smaller sections with the following headings: motor, somatosensory, special sensory, autonomic? The meat of this article should be the functions and pathway of the nerve, not the extraneous facts that make up the majority of it currently.

Activation of the vagus nerve typically leads to a reduction in heart rate, blood pressure, or both. This occurs commonly in the setting of gastrointestinal illness such as viral gastroenteritis or acute cholecystitis

I think a reference should be provided for such a statement. As a doctor, I have never heard of this effect, and a quick seearch on pubmed, I could only find some weak animal studies

195.89.27.224 (talk) 11:56, 22 February 2011 (UTC)

Br77ino's lede changes
Thank you for deleting the word "simply". Good call.

However, for the rest of your change, can you provide your source? "The vagus nerve [. . .], also called the pneumogastric nerve, is known as the tenth cranial nerve or CNX, and interfaces primarily with the stomach." I doubt that the women I've met who are flat on the floor, diaphoretic with an alarming pallor, due to vagal stimulation from severe menstrual cramps would agree with you about the stomach thing. I've never met anyone in my personal life suffering a vasovagal episode from stomach distress, but in college, it happens a lot to menstruating women. The culprit seems to be excess prostaglandins that increase the severity of the cramps that in turn stimulate the vagus nerve (along with other uncomfortable effects). This UCSD site explains the effects of prostaglandins on menstruation:. Uterine tumors can also cause severe cramping leading to vasovagal episodes. Thank you, Wordreader (talk) 20:20, 9 August 2014 (UTC)

DoubleSpeak ?
If the level of English was chosen to explain Vagus nerve to people who already know what it is - this article may be just fine.

However, if this article is intended to explain Vagus nerve to those (such as me) who do NOT know what it is - this article is a near complete failure.

After perusing the opaque article, I still have little idea where it is so I can't even suggest any new language.


 * You gotta follow the linked words, buddy 2605:E000:850A:B000:613D:F891:9E8A:7D06 (talk) 06:20, 3 April 2017 (UTC)
 * Also, the question of *where* the vagus nerve is located is complex. It starts in the brain, exits from a hole in the bottom corner of the skull (not the big hole with the spinal cord), travels down the front of the neck on each side (in front of the SCM muscle), then interweaves like lace in the walls of the esophagus. Here the left and right vagus become completely mixed and after this point they both travel to the various organs: heart, lungs, and most of the other organs in the abdomen down to a certain point in the large intestine. Hope that helps - I've tried to phrase it in common terms. However, I don't have printed citations to add for this, it's just what I learned in science lectures, so more book time is needed for trying to improve the article in a meaningful way. Cheers.--Karinpower (talk) 21:16, 4 April 2017 (UTC)

The first paragraph mentions "The vagus nerves are normally referred to in the singular" which assumes knowledge of the subject by failing to mention anywhere in the article that there are RIGHT and LEFT vagus nerves that are normally referred to in the singular. In my opinion Karinpower's description is more accessible and should be incorporated into the first paragraph. Jpvosloo (talk) 04:03, 11 April 2021 (UTC)

Role in appetite, mood etc
10.1053/j.gastro.2016.10.046 JFW &#124; T@lk  14:55, 24 March 2017 (UTC)

Adding a section on stimulating the Vagus nerve to stop an anxiety attack.
After learning cognitive behavioral therapy from a psychologist, he went in to detail about how to stimulate the Vagus nerve through breathing exercises in order to slow down heart rate and calm down during an anxiety attack. I had never heard of this nerve before and I consider myself to be somewhat educated so I came home to do some further research on Wikipedia. I did not see any information with regards to "triggering" it, in the event you are trying to stop a panic attack from escalating. As a suggestion, I believe it would be within the scope of this article to add a section on basically how the nerve works in conjunction with the heart and lungs through breathing techniques that can be used to calm someone down, as an alternative to using anti-anxiety medication. Having personally battled opioid addiction, I like the idea of sharing information of this nature to other sufferers of anxiety so they don't become dependent on drugs such as Xanax.

Sympathetic component
The makes claims of a sympathetic function via peripheral chemoreceptors that has remained without a source to back it up for at least a year. There is a citation but it is to a page that updates frequently that does not currently back up the claims. I am unable to find anything to support the claims. The closest I've found is but although this backs up a sympathetic component it doesn't mention chemoreceptors. I have for now removed the claims until a supporting source can be found. PriceDL (talk) 08:52, 8 December 2018 (UTC)