‹ Return to Courses

The Vagus Nerve: Considerations for Physical Therapists

Course #: 03-1275

Price: $9.00

Take the Exam 

CE Credit Hours: 1.00 Continuing Education Credit Hours

Take the Exam 

How to Take This Course:

  • 1 View Course Worksheet -  View the course worksheet or print it out to review later
  • 2 Read the Course Material -  As you read through, mark your answers on the course worksheet to be prepared for the exam
  • 3 Take Exam -  You must achieve a score of 70% or higher in order to earn credit for the course.
  • You don't need to pay for an exam until AFTER you pass it. If you have any questions or need more information, please click here.

CEU Course Description 

The vagus nerve, or cranial nerve ten, is the largest and most complex nerve in terms of its pathway and function in the human body. It begins at the brain and courses down the spinal cord, branching bilaterally to all organs in the thorax, abdomen and pelvis to regulate autonomic activity. The autonomic nervous system involves the sympathetic “fight or flight” and parasympathetic “rest and digest” function as well as the enteric nervous system which controls the gastrointestinal tract. This course will discuss the anatomy and physiology of the vagus nerve, clinical observations of vagus nerve dysfunction, vagus nerve stimulation and strategies for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants to recognize, refer and intervene on patients with disorders that affect vagus nerve regulation. 

CEU Course Objectives

  1. Summarize neurophysiology of the vagus nerve, including parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system
  2. Identify clinical signs and symptoms of vagus nerve impairment 
  3. Discuss clinical interventions used to improve imbalance caused by vagus nerve dysfunction

CEU Course Syllabus

Introduction--> Section 1: Understanding the Vagus Nerve 

0.25 Contact Hours  

Section 2: Clinical Presentation --> Section 3: Intervention

0.50 Contact Hours 

Section 4: Future Considerations  --> References

0.25 Contact Hours 

Total = 1 Contact Hour

Instructional level: Basic


Did you know you can now get UNLIMITED Continuing Education Credit Hours for only $99/year?
Click Here to learn more.

Course Date: 2022-02-16

Content License

Our courseware includes the text content found on our websites as well as video, audio, and exam questions that make up our courses. You can link to and access our courseware free of charge for personal use. You may not modify or redistribute our courseware under any circumstances.

Although we allow free access for personal use, you may not use our courseware for any commercial purposes without an agreement in place. This includes (but is not limited to) using our courseware for internal training, redistributing our courseware for sale, and copying all or parts of any of our courseware.

If you're interested in licensing our content for commercial purposes or have any other questions, please contact legal@edcompassedu.com.

Proprietary Interest Policy

We will disclose, in advance, any proprietary interest in any product, instrument, device, service, or material to be discussed during the learning event, as well as the source of any third-party compensation related to the presentation. This policy applies to both our organization and contractors. If such proprietary/financial interests exist, we will publish a disclaimer in marketing or instructional materials for a course.

No conflict of interest or relevant financial relationship was identified for this learning activity for individuals in a position to control content.

System Requirements

In order to view this course, you will need to be able to view a PDF document for the course material. If your device doesn't have the capability to view a PDF, you can click here to download Adobe Acrobat for free.

Special Needs

If you require ADA or other special needs accommodations, please contact us by email: support@flextherapistceus.com or by phone 1-800-413-9636, so arrangements can be made.


Board Approval Status

I am a:

Practicing in:

The board approval status information is provided based on our current understanding of the licensing agencies. Please note that it is the responsibility of each licensee to verify acceptance of our courses with their licensing agency.


‹ Return to Courses