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Interview with neuroscientist Michael VanElzakker: Vagus Nerve, ME/CFS, latent infection and more

Sushi

Moderation Resource Albuquerque
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19,935
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Albuquerque
The treatment targets the branch of the Vagus Nerve that comes close to the outer ear and allows action potentials to be sent down the nerve. This stimulates the normal anti-inflammatory reflex of the Vagus. I know a handful of ME/CFS patients who’ve been playing around with this Vagal stimulation. Some have felt better, some have noticed no effect, and others have suffered from side effects. So there’s a spectrum of responses but it’s one arrow in the quiver to think about.
I am wondering whether individual autonomic profiles impact response. For instance, I test as being parasympathetically dominant (i.e. vagus nerve is highly activated) so perhaps patients who have my less common profile might not response well to vagus nerve stimulation? And perhaps those who are more sympathetically dominant would respond better? Just pondering, I haven't tried it.
 
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88
The vagus nerve infection theory may be a good idea but it is still 100% speculation. As far as I understand, the best guess of what ME/CFS is, is an autoimmune disease rather than any active infection.
 
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88
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Dutchy
The vagus nerve infection theory may be a good idea but it is still 100% speculation. As far as I understand, the best guess of what ME/CFS is, is an autoimmune disease rather than any active infection.

or a half-active infection, called a stealth virus
 

Pink

Senior Member
Messages
574
Location
Tri state area
@Sushi , how do you find out your autonomic profile? I think I have some vagus nerve/dysautonima issues, but I'm having trouble finding a good Dr to test me.
 

Sushi

Moderation Resource Albuquerque
Messages
19,935
Location
Albuquerque
how do you find out your autonomic profile? I think I have some vagus nerve/dysautonima issues, but I'm having trouble finding a good Dr to test me.
Finding a good doctor is the challenge. I had extensive testing with an autonomic specialist but there are very few of them. You might look on some of the dysautonomia sites for recommendations. The doctor I saw has POTS himself and last I heard, had greatly limited his practice.