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Neurology (Expert Forum)
vagus nerve problems
Answered by
Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland - OH
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vagus nerve problems
by nikgirl28, Aug 11, 2008 09:57AM
For the past 4 years I've been either pregnant or breastfeeding...just recently i stopped breastfeeding my son after 2 years...and now I feel like I have vagal nerve problems... I feel like i always have to cough...my heart goes crazy after i eat anything spicy or if i cough or burp...or having a bowel movement...my head and minor body part are always jerking...i'm having swallowing difficulities...and i'm blinking excessively... and i'm short of breath...i don't know what to tell my doctor about this...does hormonal changes affect the vagus nerve?
Doctor's Answer
by Craig Brooker, Aug 12, 2008 10:57AM
, Aug 12, 2008 10:57AM
Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.
Without being able to do a full history and exam, it's rather difficult to put your symptoms together in a cohesive way. Most of your symptoms cannot be explained by a problem with your vagal nerve. You do mention a persistent need to cough which is often associated with Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD) which is common after pregnancy. Otherwise there are certain medications (e.g. ACE inhibitors) that can cause cough as well. Your other symptoms are rather more challenging to develop a hypothesis that would link them all. I would recommend going to your primary care physician to be further assessed. Additionally, if your stress levels have increased recently, this could potentially be playing a role.
Without being able to do a full history and exam, it's rather difficult to put your symptoms together in a cohesive way. Most of your symptoms cannot be explained by a problem with your vagal nerve. You do mention a persistent need to cough which is often associated with Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD) which is common after pregnancy. Otherwise there are certain medications (e.g. ACE inhibitors) that can cause cough as well. Your other symptoms are rather more challenging to develop a hypothesis that would link them all. I would recommend going to your primary care physician to be further assessed. Additionally, if your stress levels have increased recently, this could potentially be playing a role.
Thank-you