It happens that a person adheres to almost all the rules of a healthy lifestyle, the principles of a balanced diet, does not smoke or drink, even exercises regularly, but despite this, his health suddenly worsens. At the same time, he has severe headaches, heart failure, discomfort in the digestive tract, and sometimes asthma attacks.

Often the cause of all these phenomena are all kinds of pathologies of the vagus nerve. The symptoms of these diseases are indeed very diverse and greatly complicate the timely diagnosis. Where the vagus nerve is located, what it is, how it works and affects well-being - every person should know the answers to all these questions.

Where is

In fact, it is the hardest thing in the human body. That is why all sorts of disorders in its functioning definitely affect the well-being and work of various parts of the body and internal organs. If the vagus nerve is damaged, the symptoms can be extremely unpleasant. A person with such a diagnosis can expect a whole "bouquet" of various pathologies and disorders in the body. So it is very important to detect the discrepancies that have appeared in a timely manner and deal with their correct elimination.

Having heard such a phrase as "vagus nerve" for the first time, everyone wonders why it is so strangely called. In medicine, another name is used to define this receptor - "vagus", which comes from the Latin language and translates as "wandering". The nerve got such an unusual name due to a very long trunk, which has numerous branches located in most of the entire human body.

The vagus begins in the cranium, or rather in the medulla oblongata. Penetrating the cervical and thoracic regions, it reaches the lungs and heart, and then descends to the digestive tract and other internal organs. The vagus is a component of twelve pairs of nerves that originate in the brain stem. In science, it has serial number 10.

What functions does

Vagus is considered the largest nerve. It really performs many functions and consists of sensory, motor and secretory fibers. Its activity is directly related to the vegetative system. Proper functioning of the vagus nerve provides a large number of reflexes, as well as vital functions. For example, it controls:

• functioning of the respiratory system;
• swallowing process;
• speech function;
• cough;
• gag reflexes;
• the activity of the heart muscles;
• work of the stomach.

Reasons for the defeat

Each person is extremely vulnerable, and the vagus nerve in this matter is no exception. The most common causes of damage are:

• diabetes mellitus, which contributes to the onset of inflammatory processes in the vessels against the background of too high blood glucose;
• chronic forms of diseases - most often the consequences of HIV or Parkinson's syndrome, since these defects negatively affect nerve receptors;
• surgical interventions and all kinds of injuries due to which the nerve was pinched or damaged;
• hematomas and abnormal growths that put excessive pressure on the nerve;
• alcoholism, which provokes damage to the structure of the vagus fibers;
• severe course of infectious pathologies;
• toxic poisoning that can harm the nervous structures;
• prolonged stress.

Symptoms and treatment of any pathologies associated with the vagus are primarily determined by the causes that influenced their occurrence. And for their identification it is necessary to carry out competent diagnostics. In addition, it is necessary to detect certain diseases that have appeared against the background of damage to the vagus nerve.

Symptoms that lead to suspicion of damage to the vagus are a serious reason for a competent diagnosis. First of all, it is very important to determine the causes, mechanism and degree of nerve damage. To do this, you should contact a neurologist who will prescribe several instrumental examinations, including: magnetic resonance or computed tomography of the brain, X-ray of the thoracic region and skull, electrocardiogram and other studies. On examination, the doctor can use some techniques that will allow you to detect disorders in the work of the vagus nerve and determine their degree:

• checking the activity of the larynx;
• determination of the sonority of the voice and the purity of the pronunciation of some sounds;
• control of the nature of the reduction of the sky;
• a thorough examination of the pharyngeal and palatine reflex;
• verification of swallowing function;
• inspection of the larynx with a laryngoscope.

Clinical picture

Taking into account the number of functions, the defeat of the vagus is reflected in the activity of many internal organs and systems. The disorder can be caused by various factors, among which it is worth highlighting injuries, operations, tumors, serious chemical poisoning, chronic infections and other pathologies of the vagus nerve. The symptoms of the disease largely depend on which part of it is affected. Most often, the clinical manifestations of the disease in all patients are similar:

• cranium - regular headaches, discomfort in the ear area, hearing impairment;
• cervical region - a violation of the swallowing function, a change in the timbre of the voice, the occurrence of hoarseness, a disorder of normal speech, a syndrome of shortness of breath, a feeling of the presence of a lump in the throat;
• thoracic region - pain in the damaged area, difficulty breathing, palpitations, weakening of the cough reflex;
• stomach - discomfort in the abdominal cavity, diarrhea or constipation, vomiting.

Treatment of this pathology is directed primarily to the elimination of its unpleasant manifestations and the causes that led to the development. The defeat of the vagus nerve of an inflammatory nature, which is often caused by infections or toxic poisoning, is often associated with injury to other cranial trunks. This process manifests itself in different ways, depending on the specific zone of damage. The main symptoms of inflammation of the vagus nerve are:

• the occurrence of nasality in the absence of a runny nose;
• difficulty swallowing pieces of food;
• frequent dizziness.

By the way, it is the last sign of pathology that is usually ignored by the patient at the initial stage of the disease.

Symptoms of a violation of the tone of the vagus

This pathological condition refers to a process in which the body ceases to provide full-fledged adaptation in response to changes surrounding a person, emotional and physical stress. It is the tone of the vagus nerve that controls the level of mental health. If it is normal, then the person's pulse rises slightly when inhaling and decreases at the moment of exhalation, he is in a good mood. But a reduced level of vagal tone is accompanied by symptoms such as a complete lack of cheerfulness, a feeling of loneliness, and heart attacks.

Irritation of the vagus

Such a pathology can develop against the background of pinching due to compression by blood vessels or abnormal neoplasms of the nerve in the chest, neck or skull. A separate type of lesion is neuralgia of the upper gostan receptor - one of the branches of the tenth pair of cranial trunks. It is generally accepted that the disease is based on the pinching of the vagus when penetrating the thyroid-hyoid membrane. Symptoms of irritation of the vagus nerve are expressed primarily in the appearance of specific attacks that occur at the time of eating and are characterized by:

• acute pain in the larynx on one side;
• strong cough;
• general malaise;
• fainting state.

This pathology can provoke an abnormal increase in the functioning of the endocrine glands, against which an excessive amount of pancreatic and gastric juice is produced. It is quite possible to increase intestinal motility, which negatively affects the process of digestion and assimilation of food. With a decrease in activity, paralysis or damage to the vagus nerve, the symptoms and treatment of the pathology become interconnected. So, doctors first of all do everything possible to get rid of back reactions in the activity of the digestive tract.

Development of arrhythmia

Failure of the heart rate is often one of the symptoms of the vagus nerve. In such a situation, doctors classify the arrhythmia as vagodependent neurogenic. The impact of the vagus nerve on cardiac activity increases at night, as well as after exercise and meals.

At this point, the patient may experience typical pain, which is accompanied by fear of death, dizziness and excessive sweating. In addition, impaired work of the vagus nerve can provoke the development of tachycardia, bradycardia and extrasystole.

It is impossible to say with accuracy what specific therapy is needed when identifying vagus pathologies. After all, it depends on the type and degree of damage, the causes of development, as well as the list of abnormalities and symptoms. Treatment of the vagus nerve should be trusted only by a specialist, in no case should you self-medicate. Often, therapy is limited only to drug courses and involves the use of:

• B vitamins;
• corticosteroids;
• anticholinesterase agents.

For severe symptoms of the vagus nerve, it is recommended to stimulate it with electrical impulses. In some cases, patients are even prescribed surgery. But sometimes patients should know how to calm the vagus during the next attack on their own. In addition, it is very important to prevent exacerbation of the symptoms of the vagus nerve. So that it does not provoke the occurrence of arrhythmia, it is necessary:

• hold breath;
• dip your face in cold water
• massage your neck.

Treatment

Traditional medicine provides primarily for the elimination of the original cause of the development of pathologies of the vagus nerve. For example, if the disease is provoked by an infection, the main role in therapy is given to antibacterial or antiviral drugs. In case of detection of a serious injury or tumor, it will be advisable only surgical intervention, which will help eliminate pressure on the vagus.

Equally interrelated are the symptoms and treatment of the vagus nerve. To eliminate unpleasant signs of pathology, multivitamin complexes, hormonal steroid preparations, Dimedrol and Prozerin can be used.

As a restorative therapy, preference is given to plasmapheresis, milgamma and electrical stimulation.

It is worth saying that only complex treatment of the vagus nerve can bring positive dynamics.

Nervus vagus (X)

Vagus nerve, p. vagus , is a mixed nerve. Its sensory fibers end in the nucleus of the solitary pathway, the motor fibers start from the double nucleus (both nuclei are common with the glossopharyngeal nerve), and the autonomic fibers from the posterior nucleus of the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve innervates a vast territory. The fibers emerging from the autonomic nucleus make up the majority vagus nerve and provide parasympathetic innervation of the organs of the neck, chest and abdominal cavities.The fibers of the vagus nerve carry impulses that slow down the rhythm of the heartbeat, dilate blood vessels (reflexively regulate blood pressure in the vessels), narrow the bronchi, increase peristalsis and relax the intestinal sphincters, cause increased secretion of the glands of the gastrointestinal tract.

The vagus nerve emerges from the medulla oblongata in the posterior lateral groove with several roots, which, when combined, form a single trunk heading towards the jugular foramen. In the hole itself and at the exit from it, the nerve has two thickenings: the upper and lower nodes, ganglion supe- rius et ganglion inferius. These nodes are formed by the bodies of sensitive neurons. The peripheral processes of the neurons of these nodes go to the internal organs, the hard shell of the brain, the skin of the external auditory canal. In the jugular foramen, the internal branch of the accessory nerve approaches the trunk of the vagus nerve and connects with it.

After leaving the jugular foramen, the nerve goes down, located on the prevertebral plate of the cervical fascia behind and between the internal jugular vein and the internal carotid artery. The vagus nerve enters the chest cavity through the superior thoracic inlet. The right nerve is located between the subclavian artery at the back and the subclavian vein at the front. The left nerve goes between the common carotid and subclavian arteries, continuing to the anterior surface of the aortic arch (Fig. 178). Further, the right and left nerves are located behind the roots of the lungs. Then the right vagus nerve passes to the posterior, and the left - to the anterior surface of the esophagus, dividing into several branches that connect with each other. This is how the esophageal plexus is formed, from which the anterior and posterior vagus trunks are formed. The latter, together with the esophagus, pass into the abdominal cavity and there they give up their final branches.

Topographically, the vagus nerve can be divided into 4 sections: head, cervical, thoracic and abdominal.

Head office vagus nerve is located between the beginning of the nerve and the upper node. The following branches depart from this department:

1 meningeal branch, G.meningeus, departs from the upper node and goes to the hard shell of the brain in the region of the posterior cranial fossa, including the walls of the transverse and occipital sinuses.

2 ear branch, G.auricularis, starts from the lower part of the upper node, penetrates into the jugular fossa, where it enters the mastoid canal of the temporal bone. Coming out of the latter through the tympanic-mastoid fissure, the ear branch innervates the skin of the posterior wall of the external auditory canal and the skin of the outer surface of the auricle.

TO cervical region the vagus nerve refers to that part of it that is located between the lower node and the outlet of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Branches of the cervical vagus nerve:

1 pharyngeal branches, rr. pharyngei [ pharingedlis], go to the wall of the pharynx, where, connecting with the branches of the glossopharyngeal nerve and the sympathetic trunk, they form pharyngeal plexus,ple­ xus pharyngeus [ pharyngedlis]. The pharyngeal branches innervate the mucous membrane of the pharynx, the constrictor muscles, the muscles of the soft palate, with the exception of the muscle that strains the palatine curtain.

2 Superior cervical cardiac branches, rr. cardiaci cervicles superiores, in the amount of 1-3 depart from the vagus nerve, descending along the common carotid artery, and together with the branches of the sympathetic trunk enter the cardiac plexus.

3 Superior laryngeal nerve, P.laryngeus [ laryngea- lis] superior, departs from the lower node of the vagus nerve, goes forward along the lateral surface of the pharynx and at the level of the hyoid bone is divided into external and internal branches. Outer branch, Mr.externus, innervates the cricothyroid muscle of the larynx. Inner branch, Mr.internus, accompanies the superior laryngeal artery and, together with the latter, pierces the thyroid-hyoid membrane. Its terminal branches innervate the mucous membrane of the larynx above the glottis and part of the mucous membrane of the root of the tongue.

4 recurrent laryngeal nerve, P.laryngeus [ la- ringealis] recurrences, has a different origin on the right and left. The left recurrent laryngeal nerve begins at the level of the aortic arch and, having rounded it from below in the anteroposterior direction, rises vertically upwards in the groove between the esophagus and trachea. The right recurrent laryngeal nerve departs from the vagus nerve at the level of the right subclavian artery, bends around it from below and also in the posterior direction and rises up the lateral surface of the trachea. terminal branch of the recurrent laryngeal nerve inferior laryngeal nerve, p.laryngealis infe­ rior, innervates the mucous membrane of the larynx below the glottis and all the muscles of the larynx, except for the cricothyroid. Also depart from the recurrent laryngeal nerve tracheal branches,rr. trachedles, esophageal branches,rr. esophagei [ oesophagealis] And loweruieuHbieheart branches,rr. cardiaci cervicles infe- priors, that go to the heart plexus. Also departs from the lower laryngeal nerve connecting branch(with the internal laryngeal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve), G.communicants (cum r. laryngeo interno).

Thoracic- this is the section of the vagus nerve from the level of the origin of the recurrent nerves to the level of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm. Branches of the thoracic vagus nerve:

1 Thoracic cardiac branches, rr. cardiaci thordcici, are sent to the heart plexuses.

2 Bronchial "branches, / t. bronchidles, go to the root of the lung, where, together with the sympathetic nerves, they form pulmonary plexus,plexus pulmondlis, which surrounds the bronchi and with them enters the lung.

3 Esophageal plexus, plexus esophageus [ oeso­ phagealis] , is formed by the branches of the right and left vagus nerves (trunks), which are connected to each other on the surface of the esophagus. Branches extend from the plexus to the wall of the esophagus.

Abdominal The vagus nerve is represented by the anterior and posterior trunks that emerge from the esophageal plexus.

1 Front wandering trunk, truncus vagdlis anterior, passes from the anterior surface of the esophagus to the anterior surface of the stomach near its lesser curvature. From this wandering trunk depart anterior gastric branches, gg.gdstrici anteriores, and hepatic branches,hepdtici, running between the sheets of the lesser omentum to the liver.

2 Rear wandering trunk, truncus vagdlis pos­ interior, from the esophagus passes to the back wall of the stomach, goes along its lesser curvature, gives posterior gastric branchesrr. gdstrici posteriores, and celiac branches,rr. coeliaci. The celiac branches go down and back and reach the celiac plexus along the left gastric artery. The fibers of the vagus nerves, together with the sympathetic fibers of the celiac plexus, go to the liver, spleen, pancreas, kidney, small intestine and large intestine to the descending colon.

Content

The human body is a complex mechanism; the nervous system is responsible for maintaining all life 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 vagus or wandering due to its wide distribution, fermentation throughout 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, 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:

1. Sensitive. Vagus fibers are found in the auditory canal, tympanic membrane, and meninges; 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 the internal organs, endocrine glands, circulatory and lymphatic systems and include the nerve endings of the vagus in the muscles of the heart, in the smooth muscles of the lungs, esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

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.

Irritation, inflammation, pinching or damage to the nerve fibers leads to an imbalance in the activity of the organs innervated by the vagus. The lesion may be located inside the skull or cover the peripheral parts of the vagus. Intracranial causes of pathology include:

• meningitis;
• tumor;
• hematoma;
• aneurysm;
• multiple sclerosis;
• syphilis;
• thrombosis.

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

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

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 the chest area, the lesion 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 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.

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:

• tachycardia;
• bradycardia;
• arrhythmia.

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

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

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, you can use foods: