Easily stimulated vagus nerve

[cmugs]

Hi,
I've been to the hospital several times for fainting spells.  Every doctor has told me that I simply have an easily stimulated vagus nerve.  I was told to sit down and hunch over when I feel like I'm going to pass out as a way to combat it.  I was also told that there's nothing else to do about it as long as it's not affecting my daily life.  No, it doesn't affect me on a daily basis, but it's often enough that I think I have to do something about it.  Anytime I get severe stomach cramps I get sweaty, weak all over, and start to pass out. It hasn't been too much of a problem in the past because someone was always around to help, but then it happened when I was home alone and I couldn't even stand to get to the phone.  
What can I do stop it or at least lessen the symptoms as they're occurring?

[cillakae]

Have you had and EKG?  or an EEG?  You should rule out anything heart or brain related first.  If a cardiologist doesnt' find anything in an EKG, I would get a holter monitor.  You can wear one for 30 days and it will record if anything happens with your heart during a faint.  If nothing serious is found there is medication you can take to raise your blood pressure and that would help prevent fainting.

I'm dealing with this right now with my 11 year old son.  He has had EKG, EEG, ultrasound of the heart, MRI of the brain and blood tests done.  They haven't found any reason for his fainting yet.  Today he is having the holter monitor put on because I want to rule out anything serious and the fainting is ruining his life!!  He has quit sports (which he loves) and is afraid to go to school.  Don't let any doctors tell you that you just have to "live with it"

[cmugs]

Hi,

Just to answer some of your questions:

I'm 19 years old and I live the life of a typical college student.  I spend a lot of time studying, but I'm on a dance team so I'm also pretty active.  I've been told my blood pressure is very low.  My blood has been tested for anemia, but the results were negative. I think I have a pretty healthy diet, and I only become pale right before I faint.

The fainting only occurs when I get stomach cramps.  Most times I feel like I'm going to pass out a little before I even feel pain in my stomach.

I'll try laying down and raising my legs next time I feel like I'm going to faint, but I was hoping there was some way I could prevent it altogether just so I don't risk it happening in public.

Hopefully these answers will be helpful in some way, and thank you for all the advice so far.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

How old are you?
What is your typical day like?

The vagus is responsible for the regulation of most blood supply in major organs of the body. It innervates the heart, stomach ,throat,larynx and sex organs.Stimulation of the vagus dilates the blood vessels and may decrease the amount of blood that returns to the heart thus decreasing blood pumped out by the heart.This may decrease blood supply to the bain and may cause one to faint.

How is your blood pressure?

Were blood tests done ? Any anemia? Do you easily get tired and paler than usual?

Any diet preference that may cause deficient nutrient uptake?

Low blood pressure, poor nutrition and cardiovascular problems may cause faintness.

A carotid duplex scan of the main arteries supplying blood to the brain may also help.

Avoid standing for very long periods. Try lying down and raise your legs when you feel like fainting.Avoid wearing tightly fitted clothes, tight collars and belts.

I hope this helped.

[cmugs]

I was taking a multi vitamin and just sort of stopped.  I could go back to taking that.  As for the exercise, I'm young and very active so I don't know what else to do.  It's really just when I get one of these episodes that I become weak.  Thank you very much for the advice though.  I appreciate it.

[Lerls]

Hi are you taking any multi vitamins if, not be sure to start taking it asap!  Multi vitamins and minerals daily suppliment, will help your body to heal itself and it won't cost the earth, the body is a complex anatomy and various illnesses will manifest itself that sometimes not even doctors can help you with, but my advice to you be sure to start you suppliments and take omega 3 oils too or cod liver oil good for you joints, if you don't exercise try doing light and gentle stuff, maybe just walking and trying to walk a little further all the time, the oxegen will increase in the blood stream and renews you strenght, be blessed in Jesus Name!