Abdominal Adhesions
PodcastDX
This week we discuss Abdominal adhesions. These are bands of scar tissue that form between abdominal tissues and organs. Like the name suggests, the tissue can cause your organs to “adhere,” or stick together. Adhesions commonly form after abdominal surgery. Typically, you don’t need treatment unless they cause a complication, like a small bowel obstruction. Abdominal adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form between the organs in your belly and pelvis. Mainly, they form between loops of your . They can also form between an organ and the wall of your abdominal cavity. Your...
info_outline
Vaccines/ Re-Run
PodcastDX
The first human vaccines against viruses were based using weaker or attenuated viruses to generate immunity. The smallpox vaccine used cowpox, a poxvirus that was similar enough to smallpox to protect against it but usually didn’t cause serious illness. Rabies was the first virus attenuated in a lab to create a vaccine for humans. Vaccines are made using several different processes. They may contain live viruses that have been attenuated (weakened or altered so as not to cause illness); inactivated or killed organisms or viruses; inactivated toxins (for bacterial diseases where toxins...
info_outline
Ablation or Meds for AFIB
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss possible treatment methods for AFIB. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common type of irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat chaotically and out of sync with the lower chambers (ventricles). This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including: Palpitations (a feeling of a racing or irregular heartbeat) Fatigue Shortness of breath Dizziness or lightheadedness Chest discomfort AFib can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications. ...
info_outline
Vagus Nerve Injury
PodcastDX
This week we are talking about the Vagus Nerve. The vagus nerve (10th cranial nerve) is a critical part of the autonomic nervous system, responsible for regulating vital functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration. It extends from the brainstem (medulla oblongata) through the neck and chest to the abdomen, with motor and sensory fibers allowing communication between the brain and organs. The vagus nerve has two branches—left and right—which overlap in regulating autonomic functions. Functions and Importance Cardiac and Pulmonary Regulation: The left vagus nerve...
info_outline
CRPS Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
PodcastDX
Our guest this week is Christine James. Christine is a mother to two daughters, 19 and 23, a nurse of 8 ½ years and now a chronic pain patient. She was happy to take the time to speak with us in order to bring awareness to a rare and largely unknown disease: CRPS or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. As a nurse she worked in the fields of home health, acute medical, psych, long term care, dialysis; and has floated to many other units within hospitals. She has worked at the bedside and have also held supervisory positions. Passionate about her career as a nurse, she hopes to get well...
info_outline
Integrative Neurology with Dr. Alexander Zubkov
PodcastDX
This week we discuss the field of Functional Neurology with Dr. Alexander Zubkov. Stroke care is complex and does not stop when a patient is discharged from the hospital. As a Functional Neurologist, Dr. Zubkov offers comprehensive follow-up for Stroke care, and focus on prevention through health and wellness. According to his online presence, these are the benefits of such tailored medical care: Benefits of Integrative Neurology and Functional Medicine Identify the root cause of your illness Decrease excessive inflammation ...
info_outline
Winter Safety
PodcastDX
The winter season brings cold temperatures and severe weather conditions that create many hazards for individuals working in areas that experience these conditions. Even if you work indoors, winter weather still poses many hazards for you, such as driving into work in bad weather or walking through an icy parking lot to get to your building. It is important to recognize and address the hazards the winter season brings with it. During extremely cold weather or winter storms, staying warm and safe can be a challenge. Winter storms can bring cold temperatures, power failures, loss of...
info_outline
Staying Healthy as a Veteran
PodcastDX
This week we are talking once again with Dan "Dry Dock" Shockley on "Staying Healthy as a Veteran" For Veteran's Day this year we are featuring Dan because even though he has been dealt a hard blow with a hereditary colon cancer gene he is not letting that slow him down one bit! As a matter of fact he is thriving and advocating for others around the globe as a hereditary colon cancer ambassador! Here is some more about Dan: Dan Dry Dock Shockley, retired U.S. Navy veteran; Operation Desert Storm; Enduring and Iraqi Freedom veteran and a hereditary colon cancer...
info_outline
Halloween Safety
PodcastDX
In this episode we will discuss Halloween Safety during COVID Fall celebrations like Halloween and Harvest Day are fun times for children, who at one time could dress up in costumes, enjoy parties, and eat yummy treats. These celebrations also provide a chance to give out healthy snacks, get physical activity, and focus on safety. Check out these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for trick-or-treaters and some ideas to replace typical parties during these uncommonly scary times.
info_outline
Silicosis
PodcastDX
Silicosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling tiny crystalline particles of silica, or silicon dioxide, often linked to work environments like mining, construction, stonework, and sandblasting. The disease leads to symptoms such as coughing, inflammation, and fibrosis (scarring) and is classified under pneumoconioses, a group of lung conditions caused by inhaling dust. Silicosis can be chronic, developing over more than 10 years of exposure; subacute, occurring in two to five years with heavier exposure; or acute, which can happen within months of intense exposure. Although silicosis is...
info_outlineThis week we are talking about the Vagus Nerve. The vagus nerve (10th cranial nerve) is a critical part of the autonomic nervous system, responsible for regulating vital functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration. It extends from the brainstem (medulla oblongata) through the neck and chest to the abdomen, with motor and sensory fibers allowing communication between the brain and organs. The vagus nerve has two branches—left and right—which overlap in regulating autonomic functions.
Functions and Importance
-
Cardiac and Pulmonary Regulation: The left vagus nerve primarily innervates the heart, while the right focuses on the lungs, though both contribute to overall regulation.
-
Digestive System Support: It promotes digestion by increasing blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract and stimulating enzyme release.
-
Mental Health and Inflammation: The vagus nerve influences mood, anxiety, and stress by connecting to brain areas that regulate emotions. It also modulates inflammation, reducing pro-inflammatory molecules.
-
Enteric Nervous System Connection: Acting as a bridge between the brain and the "second brain" in the gut, the vagus nerve ensures coordination of digestive processes.
Vulnerability to Injury
Due to its extensive pathway, the vagus nerve is prone to injury from trauma, surgery, infections, tumors, or certain medical conditions. Common causes include:
-
Trauma: Accidents, falls, or sports injuries affecting the neck or chest.
-
Surgical Complications: Procedures in the neck, chest, or abdomen can unintentionally damage the nerve.
-
Medical Conditions: Disorders such as gastric ulcers, reflux, or tumors may affect the nerve. Infections like Lyme disease or meningitis are also potential causes.
-
Idiopathic Cases: Sometimes, the cause of vagus nerve injury remains unknown, requiring further investigation.
Symptoms of Vagus Nerve Injury
Injury symptoms depend on the severity and location of damage and may include:
-
Cardiovascular: Rapid or irregular heartbeat, blood pressure changes.
-
Digestive: Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or difficulty swallowing.
-
Voice and Throat: Hoarseness, voice changes.
-
General: Anxiety, depression, or excessive sweating.
Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosing vagus nerve damage involves imaging, nerve conduction studies, and blood tests to assess functionality. Early detection is crucial for effective management and preventing complications. Prompt medical intervention can improve symptoms and enhance quality of life.
Understanding the vagus nerve’s anatomy and functions underscores its significance in maintaining overall health, aiding healthcare professionals in diagnosing and addressing related dysfunctions.