Vaso- Vagal

Vaso: Blood vessels, vascular

Vagal: Vagal nerve

Correct spelling is vasovagal and it is associated with the action of the vagus nerve to slow the heartbeat and other actions that can lead to a drop in blood pressure or even syncope, fainting. Vagal maneuvers include cold water splashing on your face, straining on the toilet, and standing on your head.

If you faint on seeing blood, it is likely vaso-vagal reaction.

It is part of the nervous system which has a direct effect on the heart. This nerve runs from your brain to your butt.

That's why the bearings have a bowel movement can kill an elderly man, and why it slows the heart rate in healthy people.

The same nerve is effected by deep hard cough, which is another way to stimulate the nerve and decrease in heart rate.

There is another trick which is called the divers reflex or divers response, you get a large bowl with cold water and put your face in it. It can also slow the heart rate down.

Syncope

Vasovagal syncope is one of the more common and potentially serious causes of fainting. Condition develops when the misplaced reflex in the nervous system leads to the opening (dilation) of blood vessels as well as slowing the heart rate (bradycardia).

With decrease in heart rate and dilation of blood vessels in the legs, blood pressure decreases. Less blood (and therefore less oxygen) goes to the brain since the blood is sent to the legs. Fainting (syncope) is a result which may be disturbing and dangerous.

Vagus nerve stimulation

Patients experience 50% reduction in seizure frequency, and seizures are less severe after the procedure. Vagus nerve stimulation eliminates seizures in about 15% of patients, according to some studies, and a small number of experience has not improved. Risks include possible surgical trauma to the vagus nerve, carotid artery and internal jugular vein.

Vagus nerve stimulation involves placing a generator which stimulates the vagus nerve and thereby reduces the seizure activity. Vagus nerve is one of twelve pairs of cranial nerves (ie nerves that initiate in the brain). It has the motor functions of the larynx (Voice Box), diaphragm, stomach and heart, and sensory function in the ears and tongue. It has both motor and sensory functions in the throat (sinus) and the esophagus. Stimulation of the vagus nerve is thought to affect some of their relations in areas of the brain that are prone to seizure activity.