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Author Spotlight: Exploring the Effects of Transauricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Published on: January 19, 2024
Vagus nerve dysfunction in the post-COVID-19 condition: a pilot cross-sectional study.
Gemma Lladós1, Marta Massanella2, Roser Coll-Fernández3
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Germans Trias Long-COVID Unit, Fundació Lluita contra les Infeccions, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Campus Can Ruti, Badalona, Spain; Red Española de la Investigación en COVID Persistente (REiCOP), Madrid, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain.
Post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) involves vagus and phrenic nerve dysfunction, impacting multiple bodily systems. This study found evidence of nerve damage and respiratory muscle weakness in PCC patients, suggesting a multifactorial cause.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pulmonology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) affects 5-10% of COVID-19 survivors.
- Vagus nerve dysfunction is a potential cause of diverse PCC symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate vagus and phrenic nerve function in PCC patients.
- To identify potential pathophysiological mechanisms of PCC.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional pilot study comparing PCC patients (n=30) with recovered COVID-19 individuals (n=14) and controls (n=16).
- Evaluated vagus nerve structure/function via ultrasound and assessed respiratory muscle strength (inspiratory pressure).
Main Results:
- PCC patients exhibited vagus nerve thickening, reduced peristalsis, and increased reflux/hernia rates.
- Significant diaphragmatic flattening and reduced inspiratory pressure indicated respiratory muscle weakness.
- Findings suggest vagus and phrenic nerve involvement in PCC.
Conclusions:
- Vagus and phrenic nerve dysfunction are key contributors to PCC pathophysiology.
- PCC is a complex syndrome with multifactorial origins.
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