Vagus nerve problem

[djolienoc]

I just started looking into this so I'm not sure if I'm in the right place. If I am not, please forgive me. I am a 36 yo female. When I was in 5th grade I "blacked out" these black outs continued to happen well into my high school years but with less frequency. The doctors at UTMB said that it was a problem with my vagus nerve not getting enough blood flow to the brain and that I would most likely grow out of it. If I didn't I would have to have a pace maker. (Being that I was a child when all of this occured I spoke with my mother about this and this is where I was reminded of the pacemaker). Through the years I have had maybe five episodes, but have gotten really close but could always tell when I was about to "pass out" or whatever else you want to call it. Basically now, I know what situations will bring this on-being physically exhausted, not eating for a very long time, esp when sick and taking meds whether they be otc or prescription that make me drowsy. Here a week or so ago I went to my GP for a mild nerve pill because of some recent stresses that I'm enduring. Nothing long term, he prescribed Paxil @ 10 mg. I took the meds for 3 days and on the third day had to have my husband pick me up from work for fear that I was going to pass out. I could no longer work. It has taken me a week to feel better. I guess my question is-what is this condition called. I never remember being given a name to it. Is this a heart condition since I could have possibly needed a pacemaker. I had actually fogotten about this "problem" until I had gotten sick on the Paxil. I'm just looking for a bit of insight.

[jtalli]

I am not a doc, but what you have described sounds like Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (or POTS).  It is a problem with the vagus nerve.  Google it for a lot of info.  Hope this helps

[AMO]

hi djolkienoc,

like jtalli i am not doc for sure, just spomeone with autonomic issues. dysautonomia is the general term for problems with the autonomic system, and the veags nerve is part of that.
POTS is one of those in the catagory.... that causes fast heart rate trying to keep you blood pressure up....your blood pressure would tend to stay relatively ok...... does you heart beat faster to keep it up?
Orthostatic Hypotension is when your b.p. drops and your heart rate does not increase enough to compensate, and you can get dizzy, lightheaded, and pass out.
I amm not sure, but do you mean you do not have the pace maker now?
And i wonder what all tests you had when you were younger? I would think the doctors would want to re-run  some them to get a good look to seee whata is going on now you are adult, especially if they thought you would out grow this. Do these episodes happen when you are not sick?
Arrythemia would be questioned too.... abnormal heart beats can cause dizziness if your heart isn't working correct pumping blood correctly.
It does sound like you need to see your doctors again and make sure what is going on.... safety is most important! I would start with your GP and if you haven't already, let him know how you reacted to the meds.
take care.

[djolienoc]

This problem does not occur when I am feeling well. As far as tests when I was young (5th grade) I know they ran a cat scan and a few other tests but didnt find anything unusual. The only test that they did find something, and forgive me, I dont remember the name of the test but they hooked me up with electrodes all over my body and this machine monitored by heart rate. The Dr. then put pressure on my eyeballs with his fingers and I almost passed out. He stopped right before, I was in a prone position. The table itself was not moved. That was when they figured out that the vagus nerve wasnt getting enough blood to the brain. This is not a common problem for me and really I had almost forgotten about it until the Paxil. I did call my GP and let his nurse know that I discontinued the meds. I told her to please inform the Dr. and that he could feel free to call me to discuss it further. I have not had a call back over a week. I also wonder if there is a correlation to me getting very dizzy in the car when we take turns fast and I also can't ride park rides at all.

Thank you for your responses, I appreciate you taking time out of your life to answer.

Djolienoc