Vagus Nerve Dysfunction Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

How to recognize when your body’s reset switch is out of balance

The vagus nerve is the main communication link between your brain and body. When it is functioning well, you recover quickly from stress, digest smoothly, and feel emotionally steady. But when vagus nerve function is impaired, the effects ripple through nearly every system.

Common Vagus Nerve Dysfunction Symptoms

We know the vagus nerve is so important, but how do we know if what we're experiencing is due to a dysregulated vagus nerve? It's impossible to be absolutely certain without our specialized functional tests. But comparing what you're experiencing to common symptoms.

Here are the most common symptoms of vagus nerve dysfunction and why they matter:

1. Persistent Anxiety or Feeling “On Edge”

When vagal tone is weak, your nervous system has a harder time shutting off the stress response. The result is lingering anxiety, restlessness, or feeling like your body is stuck in fight-or-flight mode.

2. Digestive Problems

The vagus nerve drives peristalsis, which is the series of muscle contractions that move food through the intestines. Dysfunction can cause bloating, reflux, nausea, constipation, or IBS-like symptoms.

3. Dizziness or Fainting

Because the vagus nerve helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate, dysfunction can lead to dizziness when standing up, lightheadedness, or even episodes of fainting (vasovagal syncope).

4. Fatigue and Low Energy

A nervous system that cannot return to balance after stress stays in a high-energy “burn” state. Over time this drains energy reserves, leaving you fatigued or foggy.

5. Sleep Disturbances

Poor vagal tone disrupts the ability to relax into sleep and stay asleep. People often experience insomnia, frequent waking, or restless nights.

6. Migraines and Headaches

Vagal dysfunction can increase sensitivity to pain pathways and is linked to chronic migraines and tension headaches.

7. Slow Recovery from Illness or Injury

The vagus nerve regulates inflammation through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Weak vagal tone can prolong healing and worsen chronic inflammation.

Why It Matters

These symptoms can be disruptive on their own, but taken together they reveal the vagus nerve’s central role in health. If multiple signs resonate, it may be a clue that your nervous system needs support.

Want to test and improve your vagus nerve tone? Download our free Vagus Nerve Regulation Guide for simple at-home practices that strengthen your nervous system and improve resilience.

Get Our Free Vagus Nerve Regulation Guide

But if symptoms persist or are more just mild, consider functional diagnostic testing to find the answer. To discuss treatment options or schedule a consultation, contact us today.

Key Take-away:

Vagus nerve dysfunction can affect digestion, stress recovery, sleep, mood, and even immune response. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step toward restoring balance.