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Could gentle neck massage cause vagus nerve injury?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Is it possible to hurt the vagus nerve by massaging the neck gently? I tried it and I do not want to hurt my vagus nerve. I have increased saliva secretion. Did I hurt my vagus nerve?

Answered by Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Education:

Faculty of Medicine

Professional Bio:

Dr. Aida Abaz Quka is a Neurologist with 12 years of experience. She completed her studies at the Faculty of Medicine and pursued a Neurology Post Graduation. Specializing in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders, she offers expert care for conditions affecting the nervous system.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. There is no way to hurt your vagus nerve by gently pressing it. You can just activate it. But it becomes inactivated once you stop massaging or putting pressure on it. Activation of the vagus nerve causes low heart rate and blood pressure. Sometimes, when your pressure remains high, it results in causing temporary loss of consciousness.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I did a massage on both sides of my neck only for a few seconds. I am sending a picture of where I touched my neck. I am concerned about my increased saliva production and nausea. I do not want to hurt my vagus nerve.

Answered by Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Education:

Faculty of Medicine

Professional Bio:

Dr. Aida Abaz Quka is a Neurologist with 12 years of experience. She completed her studies at the Faculty of Medicine and pursued a Neurology Post Graduation. Specializing in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders, she offers expert care for conditions affecting the nervous system.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have gone through the attached image (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Yes, it is the point of the vagus nerve and you have massaged it gently. There is nothing serious to be worried. Nausea and increased saliva production are some common effects of vagus nerve stimulation. There is nothing to become panic. You cannot damage your vagus nerve by doing a gentle massage on the neck.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I did a massage last night and I started to have symptoms this morning.

Answered by Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Education:

Faculty of Medicine

Professional Bio:

Dr. Aida Abaz Quka is a Neurologist with 12 years of experience. She completed her studies at the Faculty of Medicine and pursued a Neurology Post Graduation. Specializing in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders, she offers expert care for conditions affecting the nervous system.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I like to conclude that vagus nerve massage and your actual complaints are not related to each other. Increased saliva production and nausea are related to gastrointestinal issues. You can have acid reflux or indigestion. Anxiety plays an important role in this clinical situation. I suggest you try to take an antacid or PPI (proton pump inhibitor) like Omeprazole or Pantoprazole. I have excluded vagal nerve damage based on your symptoms. Be relaxed. You should know one thing. Vagus nerve massage is a routine procedure advised by doctors in persons having tachycardia and anxiety. It does not cause any damage to the vagus nerve.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At July 23, 2021
Reviewed At June 10, 2024

Education:

Faculty of Medicine

Professional Bio:

Dr. Aida Abaz Quka is a Neurologist with 12 years of experience. She completed her studies at the Faculty of Medicine and pursued a Neurology Post Graduation. Specializing in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders, she offers expert care for conditions affecting the nervous system.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

Faculty of Medicine

Professional Bio:

Dr. Aida Abaz Quka is a Neurologist with 12 years of experience. She completed her studies at the Faculty of Medicine and pursued a Neurology Post Graduation. Specializing in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders, she offers expert care for conditions affecting the nervous system.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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