Why Does It Stimulate A Vagal Response In Me When

Posted on Tue, 5 Nov 2019

Question: Why does it stimulate a vagal response in me when i sit on a hard surface.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
An overreaction to certain triggers.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor " service.

I have read your query and here is my advice.

There is an overreaction of the parasympathetic nervous system to certain stimuli during vagal response.

In your case, I think two are more likely mechanisms to explain your issues:

1- coccygeal ganglia may be compressed after you seat on a fm hard surface and triggering a overreaction of the parasympathetic nervous system.

2- if you experience pain after such sitting, the pain may serve as a trigger.

Hope you found my explanation helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (9 minutes later)

So a follow up question..i am seeing a gastroenterologist i seem to have some paralytic ileus. I have had bloating cant pass gas...unless i sit on a hard surface. When i do..my bowels start moving and i pass gas. But also get heart palpations and leg spasms.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Bowel movement may trigger vagal response.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Thanks for the additional information.

In such setting, vagal response is known to be triggered also after a bowel movement.

This is related to intraabdominal changes of pressure and blood circulation.

Hope this helps.

Feel free to ask if you have further questions.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D