All articles tagged with #autonomic nervous system
Regular aerobic exercise reshapes the autonomic nerves that regulate the heart, producing asymmetric remodeling in the stellate ganglia of rats—more right-side neurons, larger left-side neurons, and an overall shrinkage in nerve volume—hinting at side-specific implications for treating heart rhythm disorders and chest pain; human relevance requires further study.
A Lancet study from Sweden’s Karolinska Institute finds that Long Covid can damage the heart, with about 18% of women reporting a cardiovascular event and evidence the condition may disrupt autonomic nervous system function, underscoring growing concerns about lasting cardiac risk among those affected.
A 29-year-old man in Queens developed sudden atrial fibrillation with a heart rate around 140 bpm. After admission, doctors planned cardioversion but first performed a digital rectal exam to check for GI bleeding before anticoagulation. During the exam, his heart rate slowed to 80 bpm and the AFib rhythm resolved to normal sinus rhythm; Palpitations subsided and he was discharged, with no recurrence at a 3‑month follow-up. The report suggests the rectal exam may have stimulated the vagus nerve via the Valsalva maneuver, increasing parasympathetic activity and slowing heart conduction, potentially counteracting the arrhythmia. Researchers caution it should not replace standard AFib treatments and call for more study to validate this approach.
A study found that the chaotic sounds of a baby's cry, especially those signaling pain, can cause adults' faces to heat up due to an automatic nervous system response, indicating heightened attention and emotional reaction to distress signals.
Julia Ranney shares her experience of being diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) after contracting COVID-19. POTS is a condition that causes symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and rapid heart rate when transitioning from lying down to standing up. Julia's daily life has been dramatically affected, requiring careful planning and organization due to fatigue and limited physical activity. Despite the challenges, she remains hopeful and emphasizes the importance of a strong support system.
People share their unique body abnormalities, including an extra phalangeal crease, a tooth growing in the chin, Harlequin Syndrome, and more. Some of these abnormalities are genetic conditions, while others are the result of medical treatments or just unique quirks.
Researchers at the US National Institute of Health have found that people with long COVID have decreased numbers of immune cells called memory T cells, increased numbers of immune cells called B cells, antibody-secreting B cells, and activated natural killer cells, and an increase in immune checkpoint molecules like TIGIT and PD-L1 on immune cells. They also found that people with long COVID were less able to control their heart rate and blood pressure when physiological pressures were applied. The study suggests that immunotherapies could be explored as a treatment for long COVID in clinical trials.
Researchers from Newcastle University found that people with post-Covid fatigue have underactivity in three specific areas of the nervous system, leading to fatigue. Muscle abnormalities were also found, making muscle fibers more easily fatigued after exercise. The team will begin testing a non-invasive treatment involving small electrical currents to the vagus nerve to improve symptoms of fatigue.
A new study has found significant immune system and nervous system changes in patients with Long COVID, which could explain the persistent neurological symptoms experienced by patients. The study used deep phenotyping to examine 12 patients with persistent neurological symptoms, revealing significant immune system changes, such as lower levels of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and increased numbers of B cells and other immune cells. Furthermore, abnormalities in the autonomic nervous system were observed, indicating its involvement in Long COVID. These breakthrough findings may provide insight into diagnosing and treating Long COVID in the future.