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Which Medications, Natural Supplements And Other Treatments Could Ameliorate This Condition?

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Posted on Mon, 23 Sep 2024
Question: When I stimulate the vagus nerve through either massaging applicable areas of the ear or through TVNS (transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation), I get a very nice feeling of relaxation while I’m doing the stimulation, but, I notice that, later in the day, I feel significantly more anxious. The end result, then, is that I have more anxiety if I stimulate the vagus nerve. I don’t believe that this is a case of relaxation-induced anxiety, but rather some dysfunction in my body. For example, if I take choline supplements, such as, phosphatidylcholine, I also get more anxious (among the symptoms are: increased sweating, increased worrying and burning sensation on the skin, in the lower back area). By the way, I had some exams performed by a functional doctor, and he found that I have low choline levels, but he is clueless in regards to why choline makes me more anxious, because it should actually make me feel more calm and relaxed. Considering that what I have is not relaxation-induced anxiety, my questions are:
When I stimulate the vagus nerve through either massaging applicable areas of the ear or through TVNS (transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation), I get a very nice feeling of relaxation while I’m doing the stimulation, but, I notice that, later in the day, I feel significantly more anxious. The end result, then, is that I have more anxiety if I stimulate the vagus nerve. I don’t believe that this is a case of relaxation-induced anxiety, but rather some dysfunction in my body. For example, if I take choline supplements, such as, phosphatidylcholine, I also get more anxious (among the symptoms are: increased sweating, increased worrying and burning sensation on the skin, in the lower back area). By the way, I had some exams performed by a functional doctor, and he found that I have low choline levels, but he is clueless in regards to why choline makes me more anxious, because it should actually make me feel more calm and relaxed. Considering that what I have is not relaxation-induced anxiety, my questions are:
1. Have you seen cases like this before?
2. What could be causing this?
3. Could this be related to a dysfunctional metabolism of choline or acetylcholine? If this is the case, in what part of the metabolic pathway could be the dysfunction?
4. Which medications, natural supplements and other treatments could ameliorate this condition?
NOTE: I wouldn’t want to take anticholigernics, since what I need is more choline and not less.
Thanks a lot.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (26 hours later)
Brief Answer:
In my opinion, mostly anxiety symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I have read your question.

Yours is a rare case and is not encountered in everyday practice.

In my opinion, most likely is the anxiety itself that is causing your issues, more than the dysfunction of the vagus nerve.

This is because every one of us stimulates the vagus nerve and gets a feeling of relaxation.

Anxiety is actually a symptom of vagus nerve dysfunction but is not so common symptom, other symptoms such as gastrointestinal symptoms are more typical.

Dysfunctional metabolism is evaluated through appropriate lab tests.

In my opinion, you should leave for a while the stimulation of the vagus nerve, and concentrate more on anxiety treatment.

Following a healthy lifestyle, exercising, and following up with a Psychologist should help you feel better.

I hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thanks.




Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4502 Questions

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Which Medications, Natural Supplements And Other Treatments Could Ameliorate This Condition?

Brief Answer: In my opinion, mostly anxiety symptoms. Detailed Answer: Hello, I have read your question. Yours is a rare case and is not encountered in everyday practice. In my opinion, most likely is the anxiety itself that is causing your issues, more than the dysfunction of the vagus nerve. This is because every one of us stimulates the vagus nerve and gets a feeling of relaxation. Anxiety is actually a symptom of vagus nerve dysfunction but is not so common symptom, other symptoms such as gastrointestinal symptoms are more typical. Dysfunctional metabolism is evaluated through appropriate lab tests. In my opinion, you should leave for a while the stimulation of the vagus nerve, and concentrate more on anxiety treatment. Following a healthy lifestyle, exercising, and following up with a Psychologist should help you feel better. I hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further. Thanks.