I was looking for a source of inspiration for this post when I opened my email and found it, Vagus Nerve. The Asperger Experts were kind enough to briefly touch on this topic, peeking my interest enough to research it. So now I will share it with you.
So what is the vagus nerve? The vagus nerve is actually the vagus nerves; there are two on each side of the body. These two nerves run from the brain stem to the area of the body known as the viscera. The viscera are the internal organs in the main body cavity, ending in the abdomen. The vagus nerves are very important. These nerves regulate many bodily functions, including your heartbeat and respiration. They also regulate the chemical levels of the digestive system and track the nutrients taken in by the body.
Scientists are actively exploring the possibility that improper vagus nerve function impacts Autism. As we are learning in individuals with Autism the brain is reorganized in a disorganized patchwork of neurons. Scientist studying stimulation of the vagus nerve in rats are seeing a promising trend in the reorganization of the motor cortex. With training exercises, coupled with stimulation the brain's movement control system began to reorganize after just 5 days. Understanding how the brain networks itself is important to develop new therapies for Autism, along with stroke victims, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, and dyslexia. If you would like to read more, please see this article by MNT.
Vagus nerve stimulation therapy or VNS is showing promise in other areas as well. VNS therapy is used to help treat epilepsy or gastrointestinal issues. A study published in 2010 and accessible through the US National Library of Medicine, addressed a small group of ASD patients with a VNS device, along with epilepsy patients without ASD. The researchers concluded that patients with ASD and epilepsy respond just as well as typical patients with epilepsy to VNS therapy; the researchers also note an improvement in the quality of life of these patients.
So how does the vagus nerve affect gastrointestinal issues? The stomach operates with strong muscular contractions, which push food through the digestive tract. Gastroparesis is a condition in which these muscles do not function normally and therefore prevents the stomach from properly emptying. This interferes with digesting and may cause vomiting and nausea, blood sugar problems, and nutritional deficiencies. There is no cure for gastroparesis. The cause of gastroparesis is not known, but it is believed to be caused by vagus nerve damage. A damaged vagus nerve cannot send signals to the stomach muscles properly and this may cause food to sit in the stomach longer, rather than move on with digestion. As you know from past blogs, doctors are finding that our loved ones with Autism are suffering with gastrointestinal issues at record rates. This could be a contributing factor to tummy troubles and Autism. Please feel free to read this article on gastroparesis by the Mayo Clinic.
So what is VNS therapy? A light electrical box is implanted in the chest, under the skin and a wire runs to the vagus nerve in the neck. The device is small, about the size of a silver dollar, flat, and round. The surgical procedure lasts a little over an hour to an hour and a half; it is typically an outpatient surgery. The device is programmed by waving a wand over the device in the chest. If you want to read more about VNS therapy, please see this article by the Epilepsy Foundation.
So what is the vagus nerve? The vagus nerve is actually the vagus nerves; there are two on each side of the body. These two nerves run from the brain stem to the area of the body known as the viscera. The viscera are the internal organs in the main body cavity, ending in the abdomen. The vagus nerves are very important. These nerves regulate many bodily functions, including your heartbeat and respiration. They also regulate the chemical levels of the digestive system and track the nutrients taken in by the body.
Vagus nerve stimulation therapy or VNS is showing promise in other areas as well. VNS therapy is used to help treat epilepsy or gastrointestinal issues. A study published in 2010 and accessible through the US National Library of Medicine, addressed a small group of ASD patients with a VNS device, along with epilepsy patients without ASD. The researchers concluded that patients with ASD and epilepsy respond just as well as typical patients with epilepsy to VNS therapy; the researchers also note an improvement in the quality of life of these patients.
So how does the vagus nerve affect gastrointestinal issues? The stomach operates with strong muscular contractions, which push food through the digestive tract. Gastroparesis is a condition in which these muscles do not function normally and therefore prevents the stomach from properly emptying. This interferes with digesting and may cause vomiting and nausea, blood sugar problems, and nutritional deficiencies. There is no cure for gastroparesis. The cause of gastroparesis is not known, but it is believed to be caused by vagus nerve damage. A damaged vagus nerve cannot send signals to the stomach muscles properly and this may cause food to sit in the stomach longer, rather than move on with digestion. As you know from past blogs, doctors are finding that our loved ones with Autism are suffering with gastrointestinal issues at record rates. This could be a contributing factor to tummy troubles and Autism. Please feel free to read this article on gastroparesis by the Mayo Clinic.
So what is VNS therapy? A light electrical box is implanted in the chest, under the skin and a wire runs to the vagus nerve in the neck. The device is small, about the size of a silver dollar, flat, and round. The surgical procedure lasts a little over an hour to an hour and a half; it is typically an outpatient surgery. The device is programmed by waving a wand over the device in the chest. If you want to read more about VNS therapy, please see this article by the Epilepsy Foundation.
Hi I was researching for my blog I just started one a few weeks ago but i'll be honest I have no idea what I'm doing with it, anyway I want to thank you for the info I think my daughter has this. Also can you give some pointers to a newbie I would really appreciate it. :)
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