Ultimate guide to vagus nerve stimulation part 1 1 March 2023

[@patsamler2742]

I’m so thankful for you Dr G! I’ve been doing this for about 3 weeks now and I am feeling SO much better! You’re a God send!

[@SPMLongCovid]

Wonderful!

[@browneyedgirlFL67]

@patsamler2742 Are you doing this once or twice daily?

[@patsamler2742]

@@browneyedgirlFL67 I’ve been doing it every evening before bed- relaxes me too! For 30 minutes

[@twocanplay7976]

What symptoms have you been struggling with, and what symptoms have improved with using this technique?

[@peter67026]

What a kind smart man! Thank you for giving us this doctor!

[@c.tes9009]

What a kind man you are. Thank you.

[@philholding6905]

Thank you. These video's are priceless.

[@peterpoterstein6686]

Very interesting! Thank you for this valuable information

[@OlegGavryliukZodios]

Thank you

[@Bgsqlila]

What would happen if someone did use a tens unit for pain on their ear with the clips? Mine has automatic and manual settings.

[@questioningcat7949]

just got mine! lets see how it goes….

[@seattledutch]

Thank you for your truly clear explanation! I have been following a FB group which focuses on tVNS. Their recommendation is to very slowly start at 50us/20Hz/0.5mA and start building it up, however in all studies I have read there weren't any safety issues with starting at 250us/25Hz and amplitude set at a little over perception level. If I follow the AVA advice it will take me weeks to get up to 250us/25Hz! Any advice on starting values? Note I have Long Covid and tinnitus caused by LC.

[@SPMLongCovid]

It’s fine starting at 50 us, you may not even feel it. That’s the pulse width, how long pulse is on during the one pulse cycle before it repeats.

[@gabrielsunerlliteras8535]

hello from Spain. I have seen different videos in KZbin that they put one earclip (red) in the cymba concha and the other (black) with a patch on the shoulder-trapezius. Is this good for vagus stimulation? thank you

[@SPMLongCovid]

That's fine too.

[@christianguthrie6614]

I wonder if it’s worth listening to relaxing music whilst doing the tens stimulation? Immersion of face in ice cold water works too. Does need to be whole body. Great video thanks.

[@SPMLongCovid]

Sure! Why not. Anything that relaxes you will help. Cold water face dunking activates the vagus nerve. That's a maneuver that we recommend with atrial arrhythmias.

[@alvc22]

Why can't you have an auto modulating machine like Dr. Hos?

[@SPMLongCovid]

This isn’t for pain management. Dr. Ho’s device uses EMS and proprietary waveforms. These are not suitable to what we want to achieve.

[@jasonfawks7713]

Why does the right ear have risk of slowing down heart rate? Thanks!

[@SPMLongCovid]

Right ear vagus afferents (input) go to the sa node of the heart (pacemaker). It’s a theoretical risk.

[@LA-go6pp]

Does this work for tinnitus?

[@SPMLongCovid]

For many it does! A few reported temporary worsening so you would have to experiment a bit.

[@stefanallard3084]

They need to start testing max time use, 20-40 min is NOT enough. I barley feel it until 2-3 hours. I do 6h per day and I wounder if thats to much?

[@christinefarneman4433]

Is it normal that the ear felt a little warm and looked red after only 1 min on 50us, 20htz and 1aM?

[@DeltaScalper]

Hello , I got the idea from the blueprint guy, his option was about $300 , I’m glad found a less expensive version. Question: I do daytrading in the stock market and it’s very stressful , would you suggest I have it on during trading session or after market is closed ? Thanks .

[@SPMLongCovid]

What us stressful for one is exciting for another. Do what’s less stressful for you.

[@fugginchit1]

In another video similar to this one he recommends using for a maximum of 30 minutes per day. If used more it can hamper effectiveness.

[@angelataylor2049]

Is this good for gastroparesis? Are there downsides?

[@SPMLongCovid]

While there aren’t any studies, I think it should help.

[@browneyedgirlFL67]

@Southwest Pain Management Dr. Groysman- the tens unit you recommend runs on a battery only ? Has no plug? Thank you so much for your videos and education on what so many of us are going through at this time. You are very much appreciated. I have a Intensity Micro Combo tens unit but the pulse width on the normal setting goes to 25ms and the pulse rate only goes to 20hz- so I need a different unit? Like the one you Recommended? SGB would be my first choice but not without your recommendation so tens unit it is for me. Praying that it works on my LC symptoms- which are mostly nervous system issues.

[@SPMLongCovid]

You need a different unit. I can do a telemedicine visit with you but obviously not here. Please schedule it on our website. Reliefbeginshere.com

[@BastiLug]

Hello! My tens device has also the parameter "On time" 0,2 sec to 3sec and Off time 0,1 sec - 3 Sec. That means, i use 30hz and 200us. But dont know if I should use longer brakes or shorter breaks between the pulses. Any suggestions? Thanx!

[@PurpleSmartiesMark]

Hi I was just wondering, in the video you state to use the left ear first but should I start with my right ear as the (possible) damage is on my right side (I had a tumour on my VIII cranial nerve and had it surgically removed (just over 4 years ago) or should I still start with my left ear? Many thanks for your video.

[@SPMLongCovid]

I recommend the left ear mainly it’s theoretically safer for the heart. It doesn’t stimulate cranial nerve 8.

[@angelataylor2049]

Is it safe? Will my vagus nerve become reliant on it? 🤔

[@SPMLongCovid]

@angelataylor2049 studies report that it is very safe. During long covid your vagus is not working well. You can ofcourse do breathing exercises and humming instead?

[@rholm5344]

For post-COVID non-cardiac related frequent intermittent "vibrations" in the chest and elsewhere only while sleeping (the vibrations severely disrupt my sleep)... is vagus nerve stimulation, with TENS or other methods, a possibility to treat that symptom? Thank you. Excellent clear video. Looking forward to Part 2.

[@SPMLongCovid]

yes its a possibility.

[@zigzag8162]

I'm guessing long cvd is the result of cholinergic dysfunction, seeing as how vagus nerve stimulators show efficacy, and the vagus nerve primary neurotramsitter is Ach. I'd think that acetylcholine epigenetic receptor site remodeling is required and you could probably achieve that via an HDAC inhbitor or chromatin uncoupling peptides therapy like livagen

[@SPMLongCovid]

An achetylcholinestrase inhibitor like mestinon can do same but has cholinergic side effects. Dysautonomia is but one mechanism involved but it’s not the only one.

[@zigzag8162]

an AChE is ultimately like a band-aid though, no? I think the source of the dysautonomia is Ach based because long cvd and vxx symptoms are starkly anti-cholinergic to begin with, not to mention acetylcholines modulating effects on other neurotransmitters. I am not of the camp that thinks an mrna vaxx can't alter your epigenetics, nor those with vulnerable snps to the cvd virus @@SPMLongCovid

[@SPMLongCovid]

Source is the gut.

[@SanMan_22]

This seems like a wonderful non invasive alternative to the implantable ones. Why would someone choose surgery as opposed to this method?

[@SPMLongCovid]

For intractable seizures, it needs to be on 24/7 so an implanted one is more reliable for something like that.

[@SanMan_22]

@@SPMLongCovid 👍

[@gourav9608]

in one of the facebook group they are stressing on not to use this product as it starts from 10 ua and one should start with 1ua can you just clearify doc.

[@SPMLongCovid]

Is the group that stresses this run by one of the vagus nerve companies or someone who works for them?

[@Twlivingston84]

Quick question on timing: Right now, I’m thinking when I wake up and before I go to sleep. Does it matter when you do it? Or does twice at any point during the day work? Thank you!

[@SPMLongCovid]

Vns often makes you sleepy.

[@murrik]

10:00

[@andreadt-c4818]

😂 bop it commercial! 😂

[@MedialtDinAndligaGuide]

HELP! I have BMS, can it go away with the help of vagus nerve stimulation? Am so fascinated by this nerve. Can you get palpitations from stimulating the vagus? Thanks for a very good video. You are factual and clear.🌼

[@SPMLongCovid]

Burning mouth syndrome and COVID tongue are still poorly understood.

[@MedialtDinAndligaGuide]

@@SPMLongCovidThanks for your reply. I will stimulate the vagus nerve and hope my tongue heals, as I have learned that most chronic diseases are caused by stress. What do you think? Is it something that I should think about when I use the TENS machine? Best Regards ☀️ Marianne

[@SPMLongCovid]

Have not trusted it for bms but sure why not.

[@dienivaca2473]

have you tried it and did it help?@@MedialtDinAndligaGuide

[@Planetnoah]

Hi, can I ask whether this be suitable to use post avm rupture? Are there any general contra indications for vagus nerve stimulation?

[@SPMLongCovid]

Yes there are contraindications. Should check with your surgeon regarding the AVM rupture. CONTRAINDICATIONS Vagotomy-The VNS Therapy should not be used (is contraindicated) in people who have had the left vagus nerve cut to treat another disorder (a left vagotomy). WARNINGS • Not studied in pregnancy. • Avoid excessive vagus nerve stimulation • Unapproved uses - The safety and efficacy of the VNS Therapy have not been established for uses outside its approved indications for use. o The safety and efficacy of VNS Therapy have not been shown for people with these conditions:  history of previous therapeutic brain surgery or brain injury  Dysautonomias  lung diseases or disorders  including shortness of breath and asthma  ulcers (gastric, duodenal, or other)  fainting (vasovagal syncope)  irregular heartbeats (heart arrhythmias) or other heart abnormalities  other concurrent forms of brain stimulation  pre-existing hoarseness  under 4 years of age  progressive neurological diseases other than epilepsy o May cause excessive salivation, abdominal gurgling, or sedation. o Shortness of breath - Shortness of breath may occur with active VNS Therapy, especially if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma. o Obstructive sleep apnea - Use of the VNS Therapy device can cause or worsen pre- existing obstructive sleep apnea (episodes where breathing stops for short periods of time while sleeping). You should see your physician if you show any signs or symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea or worsening obstructive sleep apnea. o Device malfunction - Device malfunction could cause painful stimulation or direct current stimulation. Either event could cause nerve damage and other associated problems.

[@noranix2181]

I am so confused I bought some red and black clips… but I hook one end in the the red side and one in the black… there is only one clip though… you are showing two. If there is another set up for the easily purchased ones on Amazon, this video does not help. It was a waste of time for me

[@SPMLongCovid]

You need 2 contact points. Those can be in a single clip or on 2 clips.

[@twistedhairball]

I will push back on this, I have used mine on both my ear lobes and have had my symptoms totally revers. On this part you are incorrect. Other than that great video.

[@SPMLongCovid]

That’s fine. Note that the ear lobes are used as controls (placebo) group in just about every vns study. This isn’t my opinion only but has been demonstrated. But if it worked for you, great! I’m not one to argue with success.

[@klondon6245]

Why isn't the Auvon suitable,as it gives a current just like the tens. Specifically, what is the difference in the output current between them both ?..... Thanks

[@SPMLongCovid]

You can use other brands as long as you can set frequency and pulse width. I can’t possibly review every brand. You can also use a dedicated vagus nerve stimulator that is already set correctly. Just don’t put on ear lobe.

[@Nicholas-cd3ef]

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