What does increased vagal tone mean?
Sep 09, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
Increased vagal tone may occur under conditions of prolonged mental stress, fatigue, or insufficient sleep, leading to abnormal manifestations such as bradycardia, reduced cardiac output, hypotension, bronchoconstriction, and increased glandular secretion. These changes can result in symptoms of sympathetic inhibition, including ptosis, lacrimation, nasal congestion, bradycardia, dizziness, and vertigo.
Elevated vagal tone generally refers to certain symptoms caused by excessive fatigue or overexcitement.
The vagus nerve is a mixed nerve containing four types of nerve fibers: visceral motor, visceral sensory, somatic sensory, and somatic motor fibers. The parasympathetic visceral motor component constitutes the main part of the vagus nerve and helps regulate the respiratory, digestive, and cardiovascular systems. Elevated vagal tone may result from prolonged mental stress, fatigue, or insufficient sleep, leading to abnormal manifestations such as bradycardia, reduced cardiac output, decreased blood pressure, bronchoconstriction, and increased glandular secretion. These changes can cause symptoms of sympathetic nervous system suppression, including ptosis (drooping eyelids), tearing, nasal congestion, bradycardia, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
After the occurrence of elevated vagal tone, patients should maintain regular作息 (daily routines), ensure adequate rest, and engage in appropriate physical exercise to promote blood circulation and alleviate symptoms. If symptoms worsen, medications to regulate the nervous system should be used under a doctor's guidance. Commonly used drugs include methylcobalamin and oryzanol.
