25th June 2023

CN X – Vagus nerve

The vagus nerve is a mixed nerve that extends beyond the cranial and cervical area, travelling via the jugular foramen to provide motor parasympathetic function to the cardiac and respiratory systems, and all visceral organs except the adrenal glands. It also innervates part of the pharynx and is responsible for the gag reflex.

Disorders of the vagus nerve can result in dysphagia as part of bulbar and pseudobulbar palsy, loss of the gag reflex which can contribute to aspiration pneumonia and brain-gut axis disorders causing gastroparesis and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Isolated disorder of the vagal nerve is very rare, and it is more likely to be involved as part of the manifestation of systemic pathology like stroke and multiple sclerosis.