A common but often overlooked result of motor vehicle accident personal injuries is damage to the crucial but little-understood vagus nerve.  Most often the focus is on whiplash injuries, which are often subjects of cynical jokes in popular culture, while ignoring the more related injuries to the  vagus nerve.

What is the Vagus Nerve?

The vagus nerve is one of the most important nerves in our body. It is a cable of nerve fibers with branches in nearly every organ and shoots in the brain. It is part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls things we don’t think about, like breathing and heart rate. It has an important but often misunderstood role in mental health. The name “vagus” comes from the Latin word for “wandering,” because this nerve travels all around the body. It connects the brain to various organs, including the heart, lungs, and digestive system. It helps us detect rising blood pressure, a racing heart, stomachache, discomfort, an overzealous immune system and even alarm calls from microbes in our gut.

Each side of the vagus nerve has up to 100,000 fibers. Each  fiber contributes to a specific function: heart rate, breathing, immunity, gut contractions that help to digest food, and speech. About 80 percent of vagal nerve fibers are afferent, reporting to the brain about the state of the body; the rest are efferent, carrying instructions down from the brain.

When the vagus nerve works well, it helps keep our body in balance. It can regulate the heart rate and help with digestion. But if the vagus nerve gets injured, it can cause problems.

How Does a Car Accident Cause Vagus Nerve Injuries?

In an automobile accident, there are many ways someone can get hurt. The force from a collision can cause sudden movements of the head and neck, which may lead to injuries. Sometimes, the impact can stretch or damage the vagus nerve. Here are some common reasons why the vagus nerve gets injured in car accidents:

1. Whiplash is is a common injury in car crashes. When a car suddenly stops, the head can jerk forward and then backward quickly. This rapid movement can strain the neck muscles and damage the vagus nerve.

2. Direct Impact.  If someone hits their chest or neck during a crash, it may directly injure the vagus nerve. This can happen if the steering wheel or seatbelt causes trauma.

3. Seatbelt Injuries. While seatbelts save lives, they can also cause injuries. If the seatbelt is too tight during a collision, it can compress the vagus nerve, leading to problems.

Symptoms of Vagus Nerve Injuries

When the vagus nerve is injured, it can cause various symptoms. These may vary from person to person, but here are some common signs to watch for:

Heart Problems. Since the vagus nerve helps control the heart, injuries can lead to irregular heartbeats or a rapid heart rate.

Digestive Issues and vagus nerve. People may experience problems like nausea, vomiting, or changes in appetite.

Difficulty Swallowing After Vagus Nerve Injury. Some individuals might find it hard to swallow food or drink, which can be very uncomfortable.

Syncope, Fainting or Dizziness After Vagus Nerve Injury.  An injured vagus nerve can cause sudden drops in blood pressure, leading to fainting or feeling dizzy.

If you or someone you know has been in a car accident and experiences these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical help right away.

How is a Vagus Nerve Injury Diagnosed?

Doctors use several methods to diagnose vagus nerve injuries. Here are some common steps they might take:

1. Medical History. The doctor will ask about the accident and any symptoms you are experiencing.

2. Physical Exam. A  physical exam can help the doctor check for any signs of nerve damage.

3. Imaging Tests.  Sometimes, doctors use MRI or CT scans to look at the neck and chest area for any injuries.

4. Nerve Function Tests.  These tests help determine how well the vagus nerve is working and if there is any damage.

Treatment Options for Vagus Nerve Injuries

If someone is diagnosed with a vagus nerve injury, there are several treatment options available. The right choice depends on the severity of the injury. Here are some common treatments:

1. Physical Therapy for Vagus Nerve Injury. Working with a physical therapist can help strengthen the neck muscles and improve movement.

2. Medications for Vagus Nerve Injury. Doctors may prescribe medications to help manage symptoms like pain or digestive issues.

3. Surgery for Vagus Nerve Injury. In some severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the vagus nerve or install nerve stimulators.

4. Lifestyle Changes for Vagus Nerve Injuries. Eating healthy foods and staying active can help improve overall health and support nerve recovery.

Conclusion.  Vagus nerve injuries from car accidents can be serious. It is important to have both doctors and a trial lawyer who understands vagus nerve injury and its consequences.   

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Photo of Ken Shigley Ken Shigley

Ken Shigley, senior counsel at Johnson & Ward, is a former president of the State Bar of Georgia (2011-12). He was the first Georgia lawyer to earn three board certifications from the National Board of Trial Advocacy (Civil Trial Advocacy, Civil Pretrial Advocacy…

Ken Shigley, senior counsel at Johnson & Ward, is a former president of the State Bar of Georgia (2011-12). He was the first Georgia lawyer to earn three board certifications from the National Board of Trial Advocacy (Civil Trial Advocacy, Civil Pretrial Advocacy, and Truck Accident Law). In 2019, he received the Traditions of Excellence Award for lifetime achievement. Mr. Shigley was the lead author of eleven editions of Georgia Law of Torts: Trial Preparation and Practice (Thomson Reuters, 2010-21). He graduated from Furman University and Emory University Law School, and completed certification courses in trial practice, negotiation and mediation at Harvard Law School.