In contrast to the rapid fight or flight responses that are under the control of the sympathetic arm of the nervous system, the vagus nerve is responsible for many of the slower, rest and digest responses that we collectively call the parasympathetic arm. Our daily newsletter arrives just in time for lunch, offering up the day's biggest science news, our latest features, amazing Q&As and insightful interviews. These functions are involuntary, meaning you cant consciously control them. The vagus nerve affects organs throughout the body. The vagus nerve will overreact to these situations and causes your blood pressure to drop very quickly, making you dizzy or causing a fainting spell. Public healthcare system of the UK If it works well, it helps us relax. Peripheral nerve injuries - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic The first human implantation of a vagus nerve stimulator for drug-resistant epilepsy was reported in 1988 . By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Theyre a key part of your parasympathetic nervous system. He also has Go to source It's the bodys information superhighway that tells your organs how to rest. The damaged nerve in question is the vagus nerve, named for its vagabond-like wandering nature. Potential symptoms of damage to the vagus nerve include:. Its the longest cranial nerve, running from the brain to the large intestine, and sends signals in both directions via neurotransmitters and gut hormones. It may also form a link between the gut and the brain, playing a role in what scientists call the gut-brain axis. Damage to the vagus nerve may be behind some long Covid symptoms Digestive issues and an elevated heart rate could be caused by changes in nerve Findings suggest vagus nerve dysfunction is a . The vagus nerve helps your body exit its fight-or-flight mode. It is time we began to accept that the brain - consciously or subconsciously through the vagus nerve - controls various responses of the body - from food, appetite, digestion, to breathing. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. There are 12 cranial nerves in the body. The first human implantation of a vagus nerve stimulator for drug-resistant epilepsy was reported in 1988 . Vagal Nerve Stimulation | Conditions & Treatments | UCSF Health Last Updated: October 25, 2022 Scrambled eggs can never be uncooked. Other risk factors include hypothyroidism, infections, nerve disorders, and scleroderma. The chickenpox virus, for example, attacks the nervous system and though rare, it has been known for the virus to cause vagus nerve lesions that result in a patient losing their ability to swallow they may also get a headache and an inflamed ear.