The symptoms of an overactive vagus nerve are insomnia, headaches, digestive issues, fatigue and even fainting spells.
Overactive vagus nerve is also called parasympathetic excess or even vagal excess.
Your vagus nerve is associated with relation and digestion, although when your vagus nerve is overactive it can disrupt the normal functions can cause several health issues.
Your vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve, which extends from your brainstem, down to your abdomen.
The vagus nerve plays a critical role in regulation of various bodily functions, which include breathing, mood, digestion and heart rate.
The vagus nerve is also part of your parasympathetic nervous system, and is responsible for the "rest and digest" response.
Common symptoms of an overactive vagus nerve are fainting, dizziness, changes in heart rate or blood pressure and lightheadedness, abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, vomiting, difficulty swallowing and acid reflux, fatigue, insomnia, headaches, hoarseness and even other symptoms that are similar to fibromyalgia.
The causes of an overactive vagus nerve are vasovagal syncope, chronic vagal excess, certain medications, neck instability, and other underlying conditions such as anxiety, depression and digestive issues.
Issues in your neck, like ligamentous laxity can irritate your vagus nerve and cause symptoms of an overactive vagus nerve.
Some people also have a chronically dominant parasympathetic nervous system, which can lead to persistent symptoms of overactive vagus nerve and a temporary overstimulation of your vagus nerve can cause a sudden drop in your blood pressure and heart rate, which leads to fainting.