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    Created in 2008, Phoenix Rising is the largest and oldest forum dedicated to furthering the understanding of, and finding treatments for, complex chronic illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia, long COVID, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and allied diseases.

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vagus nerve

  1. paddyb

    Advice on using TENS machine please

    I have a TENS machine and am interested in seeing if this will help with my CFS After reading a few articles on here and elsewhere. The first thing I need clarification on is using the ear clips. I have a double pair (Stereo!), with one wire leading to each clip. I’ve seen pictures and videos...
  2. MarkRichardson

    Sensate Vagus Nerve Issues

    When using the Sensate device I am experiencing a soreness under the skin. It is felt along the breastbone but can emanate downwards in to the abdomen and also sideways in to the chest. Sensate seem to think this could be “the initial 'soreness' after you exercise after a long time”. Does the...
  3. SWAlexander

    Scientists propose cause of symptoms, treatment for long COVID-19

    Excerpt: Long COVID, vagus nerve symptoms may overlap The vagus nerve runs from the brain into the torso, heart, lungs, intestines, and several muscles, including those involved in swallowing. It has a role in heart rate, speech, the gag reflex, the transfer of food from the mouth to stomach...
  4. Shanti1

    How environmental factors may impact vagus nerve/brainstem/neuroinflammation in ME/CFS and LongCovid

    Dr. Michael VanElzakker and Dr. Amy Proal discuss vagus nerve to dorsal brainstem signaling and microglial activation (neuroinflammation). They further examine how environmental factors may impact this signaling in patients with ME/CFS and LongCovid.
  5. Shanti1

    The Role of the Vagus Nerve in Fibromyalgia Syndrome

    The Role of the Vagus Nerve in Fibromyalgia Syndrome Daniel F Martins 1, et al. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021 Oct 25;S0149-7634(21)00463-2. PMID: 34710514 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.021 Abstract Fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome is a common illness characterized by chronic widespread pain, sleep...
  6. Jwarrior77

    The Causes of ME/CFS, POTS, and Chronic Illness - A patients opinion

    This is my opinion on the causes of these illnesses coming from a patient who suffers from these conditions. My opinion is based on my own experience, research from the top scientists studying this, and also other patients such as Jeff Wood, Jen Brea, and others who have contributed a lot of...
    • Jwarrior77
    • Thread
    • connective tissue eds lyme disease mcas metabolic trap microbiome neuroinflammation toxic mold vagus nerve viral persistence
    • Replies: 7
    • Forum: General ME/CFS Discussion
  7. tango

    Microcurrent stimulation for Vagus nerve healing (vs TENS)

    Has anyone used a microcurrent stimulation device for vagus nerve therapy??? I have a TENS machine and ear clips and haven't seen results yet but maybe I am not using it with the right settings or need to give it more time. I am keen on tVNS but haven't had any improvement I belong to a...
  8. Artorias

    Feeling exhausted after bowel movement

    I've had ME for almost 10 years now but this has only been happening for about the last few years. Basically what happens is around 20 minutes or so after a bowel movement I will begin to start feeling very tired and weak, to the point where I will have to write off the next few hours and just...
  9. Ecoclimber

    Chronic fatigue syndrome from vagus nerve infection: psychoneuroimmunological hypothesis

    Chronic fatigue syndrome from vagus nerve infection: A psychoneuroimmunological hypothesis Available online 18 June 2013 Chronic fatigue syndrome from vagus nerve infection: A psychoneuroimmunological hypothesis Michael B. VanElzakker Tufts University Psychology, Massachusetts General...