I have a VNS implanted onto my heart, it ended my seizures and changed my life forever. After over 10 years of seizures, i put in a VNS at the age of 18 and and can now finally drive- something that I never thought I would be able to do.

I am glad I found this channel

Thank you! I was suspicious at first because of the adverts! Since last September have been suffering from post viral fatigue. Sleeping or lying down in the day time, brain fog and just managing a walk outside once every 10 or 11 days. ... 8 months now. Started Nurosym maybe 10 days ago. I have hope. Still weak and aching but managing a short walk maybe every 5 or 6 days. I had much doubt before buying then tossed a coin 3 times to decide!! I think that I do feel different. It actually sorted certain bowel issues to do with IBS. That was a surprise! So on we go! I was having doubts recently so this talk has given me a bit more confidence and hope so thank you!

@Dr James Gill i will heed your warnings! Thank You for this Knowledge.

Dr. Gill, thank you so much for the very detailed explanations of both vagus nerve stimulation in general and your specific experience. At about 11:59 you seem to say "now there's two easy options you can do at home box breathing or there is also the utilization of a physiological sigh - they're both relatively similar and I'll put simple links in the description where you can find ways to access those techniques" I see the links to the papers about the vagal nerve stimulation, but I don't seem to be able to find the links to box breathing, physiological sigh, or Valsalva maneuver. There are certainly lots of google results, but since the links not being present seemed like it was probably more an accidental oversight, I thought it might be worth asking.

Hello, my favorite UK doctor ❤️‍🔥

Thank you doctor for the information. What are your thoughts on using this VNS device for ulcerative colitis?

The doctor we wish that we could have...❤❤❤😊😊😊

Great info. Have you looked into those lights that help with vitamin D and seasonal depression?

I was about to be like “oh gosh, my heart rate doesn’t have much variability!” It hasn’t for years. Then I remembered I have a chronic inflammatory illness and my body is definitely what you’d call physically stressed. That’ll do it. Maybe I should try vagal stimulation for my fatigue, chronic as it is. I’m curious now. I never considered it for stress or anxiety before, but I knew about the SVT benefit from nursing school. I use a TENS unit for pain sometimes, especially if I wind up chasing pain and need more help coping, or I can’t take medication for some reason. so electric stimulus for symptom relief isn’t the weirdest idea in some ways. Interesting video! And thanks for sharing your filtering out of the articles while picking them lol. Always a good reminder to check source bias when learning.

Thanks Dr. Gill. I am currently experiencing a phase of anxiety as I come out of a period of SAD. This normally lasts 1-3 weeks before I return to a state of good mental health until November/December time normally. I am not on medication for such a relatively short period each year. I'm not a medic, but I'm assuming this anxiety is triggered by fluctuating levels of serotonin in the synapses as production starts to increase again following SAD? It's very similar (though nothing like as severe and frightening) as to when I tried SSRI medication a few years ago - for which the cure was worse than the illness in my case! I'm very grateful for this insight and will practice some of the techniques in an attempt to control the symptoms of anxiety until it passes. I think blowing through an empty syringe (or biro in my case) is the most pragmatic and easy to achieve. Thanks again for what you do.

Thank you for the video! Do you have any product recommendations for those of us in the US who aren't able to order Neurosym? Thank you!

Hi Dr. Gill! I also do the double wrist Garmin/Whoop duo. I noticed in the main video you have the Whoop sensor on the underside of your wrist as opposed to the top in the Neurosym video insert. Do you notice differences in data acquisition or reliability depending on the location you have the Whoop sensor?

Thank you again for the information. Interesting topic. On a side note, I have been getting into cold water 7-12 °C, for about 10 min in the mornings for a while now and I can tell you the positive effects I get from it are quite real. You can just feel it, it temporarily improves my focus and general well-being. I am a bit of a water adorer anyway since my childhood, maybe that has some psychological implications. As I get older I realize it is the obvious and small things that matter, like walking a lot, eating healthy and music.

@dr James, do you know of any treatments for long term loss of taste in long Covid?

I have to admit when I first saw the video was posted I imagined that the vns was a device for people with back pain and had no idea you’d be talking about anxiety and long Covid and seizures and such but as someone with anxiety (and ptsd induced anxiety) I found this very interesting and informative!

This was Quite Good Information, Keep it Up 👌

Hey Dr. Gill, is there already a video of yours about the general anatomical terms of location? Would be very interesting to properly get to know the meanings of distal, proximal, medial and so on. Might be too basic, but you probably know that not all your viewers are medical professionals ;) Thanks for all your cool videos

Hello Dr Gill. I am in the USA and very much want to get this VNS you show in the video, but they dont ship to the USA and ideas on how I can pull it off ? I am tormented by migraines. I am not a Dr but would love to evaluate this device for my migraines.

Very interesting and informative, I am waiting delivery of a Nurosym device to try and help with post ischaemic stroke left arm spasticity. However, I also hope it will help reduce anxiety and improve sleep, a similar device is being used in a UK trial for post stroke patients but to get in the trial there needs to be wrist movement that I lack, so I am doing my own trial! Enjoyed this unbiased and informative presentation. Thanks

Hi Doctor, do you think it could word for IBS?

When will this be available in the United States?

God I love this man and his videos. Hes such a great teacher and communicator.

Would this (theoretically) then be beneficial even to someone who denied their high level of stress? Hubby gets worked up, but tamps his feelings down…yet, his heart rate according to his phone is around 92-94bpm. What are your thoughts- theoretically?

I saw an advert for a device that looked similar to these, that didn't have any claims of how they worked. Coming from psychology, I thought the device vibrated on your chest, thus giving the person a physical sensation. Much like some self tapping techniques, I assumed they were aiming for a mindfulness approach by keeping their mind focused on their body, rather than unhelpful thoughts that are the source of anxiety.

Not sure if this is something you would cover, but could you possibly talk about the benefits of having mushrooms (cordecyps, lions mane etc) in your diet for cognitive function? Been reading lots of research and studies on this and the possible benefits for children and adults with autism! Would love to hear your thoughts :)

is this same treatment as Alpha Stim stimulation ???

I didn’t know there was an external device 🤔 I have one implanted for my seizures

Huh, interesting! My mom bought me one of those a few years ago. I tried it once and it seemed to have an effect, but since the advice to use it had come from a naturopath who had also peddled some serious quackery, I attributed it to placebo and shoved it in the back of my closet. Interesting to see there's actual science backing it up- I guess even a stopped naturopathic clock is right twice a day! Might dig it out of the bowels of my closet and give it another go :)

Excellent video! I find your long-form videos very informative, I always learn something. I appreciate your balanced presentation and your endevor to avoid and disclose bias, unlike some other medical influencers out there who are all too happy to recommend all sort of quackery that people will trust in their desperation.

KZfaq recommended me your video and I am so thankful, really great stuff Man. btw I was wondering do you need an editor for editing your videos.

May I know the name of the device you have so I can get one, please? Thank you.

You actually don’t have to get a device that expensive. There are cheap tVNS devices available online that do the same thing for anywhere between 20-100€. Or maybe you already have a tens device for your back or neck. Then you only need to get an earclip and set the thing to 100Hz and 150 µs

Hello Dr. Gill, thanks for the detailed video. What do you think about less expensive alternatives to Neurosym, for example using a TENS device with an ear clip? Also, during a standard ECG, the HRV is not recorded, yes?

Just don’t leave that stimulator near your Alexa or you’ll wake up with a taser wrapped in swaddling cloth 😂 But seriously , you have sparked my curiosity as I wonder if the valsalva technique as I, and many others use when freediving is part of the reason why it is so calming (obviously you have to enjoy said activity first)..

Thanks for this video. Doesn't HRV go up by resting though. So if you were to sit still or lie down for the same time you used the device, wouldn't hrv also go up? This is what I have personally found

Is this the same as a TENS device?

How does this differ from tACs?

Hi Dr, would you recommend the nurosym device for Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, an autonomic nervous system disorder. Thank you

I live in Vegas and I have a lot of nerve 😦

Me sitting here with an average hrv of 30 at 22 for the last 2 years

Get. A. Wiggle. On. Glorious.

A stress score of 50?! You need to get some Invigaron

Dr. Gill. I love the info, but others that in catch 21 when it comes to a Benzodiazippine to calm them down for panic and generalized anxiety disorder. I'm not a doctor. But I've seen many suffer with these issues. Maybe it is hard to address this from your point of view due to limited restrictions. However, I do feel it is important to not overlook these matters. Thank you for the knowledge Dr. Gill. I just wanted to bring up what I see around me. Heh.

*SO THEN PEOPLE, WHAT'S YOUR OWN DIAGNOSIS, IS HE A DOCTOR OR A SALESMAN.??.* His advertised device = $599 or a do the very same job TENS Unit = $40..

I went and found the Nurosim thing and it's bloody 700€... I guess it's for the rich :/

*Abstract* This video explores vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and its potential applications for anxiety, stress, and long COVID. Dr. James Gil, the presenter, delves into the science behind VNS, discussing the autonomic nervous system and how VNS can influence its balance. He examines research on VNS for various conditions, including its impact on heart rate variability (HRV), a marker of stress and resilience. Dr. Gil also shares his personal experience using a VNS device and its positive effects on his HRV and stress levels. While acknowledging the limitations of current research on VNS for long COVID, he suggests its potential as a complementary therapy, particularly when combined with HRV monitoring. *Summary* *Addressing Patient Desperation and Health Quackery (**0:52**)* * Patients with long COVID often experience desperation and may turn to unproven treatments or supplements. * Dr. Gil emphasizes the importance of evidence-based medicine and avoiding health quackery. *What is the Vagus Nerve? (**3:30**)* * The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve and plays a crucial role in the autonomic nervous system. * It interacts with both the sympathetic ("fight or flight") and parasympathetic ("rest and digest") branches of the autonomic nervous system. * VNS can be used to dampen the "fight or flight" response and promote relaxation. *The Autonomic Nervous System (**4:50**)* * The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions, like organ function and automatic bodily processes. * It consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which work in opposition to maintain balance. *How Vagus Nerve Stimulation Works (**5:42**)* * Stimulating the vagus nerve releases acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that calms the sympathetic nervous system. * This can help regulate heart rate and reduce anxiety. *Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Cardiac Arrhythmia (**6:03**)* * VNS can be used to treat dangerous heart rhythms like SVT (supraventricular tachycardia). * Vagal maneuvers, such as blowing against a syringe or applying a cold towel to the face, can stimulate the vagus nerve and interrupt the abnormal heart rhythm. *VNS Techniques for Anxiety and Panic Attacks (**8:56**)* * VNS techniques, like box breathing and the physiological sigh, can help manage anxiety and panic attacks by promoting relaxation. *Long COVID, Fatigue, and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) (**9:46**)* * Long COVID patients often experience fatigue and biological stress, leading to decreased HRV. * VNS may help improve HRV and reduce fatigue in long COVID patients. *Vagal Nerve Stimulation for Long COVID (**11:39**)* * Relaxation techniques, including VNS, are being explored as potential therapies for long COVID. * HRV can be used as a marker to assess the effectiveness of VNS in improving stress levels and resilience. *Nurosym Device (**13:01**)* * The video discusses the neurosym device, a non-invasive VNS device that stimulates the vagus nerve through the ear. * Dr. Gil reviews research on non-invasive VNS and its potential benefits for stress, fatigue, and anxiety. *Independent Research on VNS (**14:49**)* * Dr. Gil emphasizes the importance of unbiased research and reviews studies not funded by VNS device manufacturers. * He highlights studies showing the positive effects of VNS on HRV, sympathetic nerve activity, and fatigue. *Personal Testing of the Nurosym Device (**18:49**)* * Dr. Gil shares his personal experience using the neurosym device and its positive impact on his HRV and stress levels. * He demonstrates the use of the device and its effects on his HRV using a Garmin watch and Whoop band. *Conclusion and Personal Take on VNS Devices (**26:37**)* * Dr. Gil concludes that VNS shows promise as a complementary therapy for anxiety, stress, and potentially long COVID. * He recommends starting with home-based VNS techniques like box breathing and monitoring HRV to assess effectiveness. * While acknowledging the need for further research, he shares his positive personal experience with the neurosym device. i used gemini 1.5 pro to summarize the transcript Token count 9,326 / 1,048,576

"Get Our "Wiggle" On".

please note that he conveniently failed to tell everyone that instead of the very expensive device he was promoting, you can buy a TENS Unit for around £30 that will do the very same job, yeh.. money, money, money.!!.. lol.

Haha, calling out the "studies" funded by companies that benefit from said studies coming out in their favor 😂

Sponsored content. Credibility out of the window. Sadly.

Would you consider doing a video on how earphones affect the ear or any part of the head? Because I accidentally fell asleep with my AirPod on and I woke up with my ear and jaw hurting.