Sometimes if your constipated it can put pressure on the vagas nerve and cause dizziness,weakness and pain in the legs amongst other things, Very miserable.
April 29
Great question! The vagus nerve plays a key role in the autonomic nervous system, which controls automatic body functions like heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure. In Parkinson's, the autonomic nervous system can be damaged, and this is closely linked to symptoms like orthostatic hypotension.
Orthostatic hypotension Show Full Answer
Great question! The vagus nerve plays a key role in the autonomic nervous system, which controls automatic body functions like heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure. In Parkinson's, the autonomic nervous system can be damaged, and this is closely linked to symptoms like orthostatic hypotension.
Orthostatic hypotension — that sudden dizzy feeling when you stand up — affects around 33% of people with Parkinson's. It happens because the nervous system struggles to regulate blood pressure quickly enough when you change positions. The vagus nerve is also connected to several other Parkinson's symptoms, including:
- Digestive issues like constipation and slow stomach emptying
- Swallowing difficulties, since the vagus nerve helps control throat muscles
- Sleep disturbances
- Fatigue
These are all areas where the autonomic nervous system — heavily influenced by the vagus nerve — can be disrupted by Parkinson's.
It's definitely worth bringing up with a neurologist, as they can assess how much autonomic involvement may be contributing to specific symptoms and suggest management strategies.
April 28
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