More conflicting information...this time, VNS might help ms.
Vagus nerve stimulation improves autonomic control and down regulates RAAS. Damage to vagus nerve can be caused by compression.
http://circheartfailure.ahajournals.org ... /692.shortQuote:
Improved autonomic balance: Vagal control of the heart is diminished in HF and dysfunctional ganglionic transmission may contribute to this abnormality.39 Defective ganglionic transmission has been reported to be prevented by repeated exposure with a nicotinic (N-) receptor agonist during the development of HF.40 Thus, VNS, by releasing acetylcholine, the natural N-receptor agonist, may prevent ganglionic malfunction in HF and improve autonomic control. Here, we have provided evidence that chronic VNS improved cardiac autonomic balance in HF as evidenced by increased HRV, baroreflex sensitivity, and reduced NE level in the VNS-treated dogs. Thus, improved autonomic balance is a likely contributor to the observed benefits.
VNS may inhibit the renin-angiotensin system: Vagal afferents from the cardiopulmonary region are reported to exert a tonic restraint on the release of renin.14 Vagal blockade significantly increased plasma renin activity in HF dogs.15 Our results show that VNS treatment reduced plasma Ang-II levels. Thus, inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system by VNS is an additional therapeutic pathway.
VNS has anti-inflammatory effects: VNS can suppress systemic inflammatory response through “the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.”41,42 Our results clearly indicate that pacing induced HF promotes systemic inflammation, as evidenced by increased plasma CRP levels. VNS treatment markedly reduced CRP levels. VNS mediated inhibition of the inflammatory processes likely provide important benefits in HF treatment.43,44
Just for fun, test your vagus nerve...I sometimes get a throat cramp while swallowing. Could that be related?
http://www.pacificu.edu/optometry/ce/co ... xampg2.cfmQuote:
Tenth Cranial Nerve - Vagus Nerve
The vagus nerve carries sensory afferent fibers from the larynx, trachea, esophagus, pharynx, and abdominal viscera. It also sends efferent motor fibers to the pharynx, tongue, thoracic and abdominal viscera, and the larynx. Testing of the vagus nerve is performed by the gag reflex and "ahh" test as described above.
A unilateral lesion affecting the vagus nerve can produce hoarseness and difficulty swallowing due to a loss of laryngeal function. Causes of unilateral lesions include trauma from surgical procedures of the neck, aortic aneurysm, and compression due to enlarged paratracheal lymph nodes caused by metastatic carcinoma.