Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 5, 2026
11:02
Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a Tool to Induce Plasticity in Pathways Relevant for Extinction Learning
Published on: August 21, 2015
24.5K
Vagus nerve block as a diagnostic tool for VANCOUVER syndrome
Raymond Tang1, Francisco Aranda2, Andrius Radziunas3
1Department of Anesthesia, University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Raymond.Tang@vch.ca.
Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
|February 3, 2026
Summary
A vagus nerve block can diagnose Vagus Associated Neurogenic Cough Occurring due to Unilateral Vascular Encroachment of its Root (VANCOUVER) syndrome in patients unable to localize symptoms. This procedure helps confirm the affected nerve and offers temporary cough relief.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Vagus Associated Neurogenic Cough Occurring due to Unilateral Vascular Encroachment of its Root (VANCOUVER) syndrome is a neurovascular compression disorder.
- It causes neurogenic cough due to vagus nerve compression at the brainstem.
- Some patients cannot lateralize symptoms, necessitating diagnostic procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the technique of percutaneous cervical vagus nerve block.
- To demonstrate its utility in diagnosing VANCOUVER syndrome when symptoms are not lateralized.
Main Methods:
- Review of medical records for two patients undergoing vagus nerve block.
- Percutaneous cervical vagus nerve block performed under ultrasound guidance.
- Monitoring of hemodynamic parameters and clinical effects.
Main Results:
- Both patients had VANCOUVER syndrome but could not lateralize symptoms.
- Unilateral vagus nerve block provided temporary cough relief ipsilateral to compression.
- Contralateral block had no effect; temporary Horner syndrome and vocal hoarseness observed without hemodynamic changes.
Conclusions:
- Vagus nerve block effectively confirms diagnosis and lateralizes the affected nerve in VANCOUVER syndrome.
- The procedure is expected to become more common as syndrome awareness grows.
- Safe execution requires understanding ultrasound-guided cervical anatomy.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
280
Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
280
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
790
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
790
01:22Block Diagram Reduction
567
The process of deriving the transfer function of a control system often involves reducing its block diagram to a single block. This simplification can be achieved through a series of strategic operations, including relocating branch points and comparators. These operations preserve the overall function of the system while allowing for easier manipulation and combination of blocks.
The first step in this process is the identification and relocation of a branch point. A branch point, where a...
The first step in this process is the identification and relocation of a branch point. A branch point, where a...
567
01:25Elements of Block Diagrams
709
Block diagrams serve as a visual representation of the input-output relationships within a system. An illustrative example is a heating system, where the set temperature activates the furnace to warm the room to the desired level. Block diagrams are versatile, modeling linear systems through Laplace transform variables and nonlinear systems using time domain variables.
A block diagram typically includes essential elements such as comparators, blocks, and feedback loops. Each of these elements...
A block diagram typically includes essential elements such as comparators, blocks, and feedback loops. Each of these elements...
709
01:24Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
652
Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of...
652
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
1.0K
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
1.0K