Gastroparesis

About

Gastroparesis occurs when there is damage to nerves or muscles in the stomach. In many people, the reason for the damage is not clear. The most common known cause is long-standing diabetes. Uncontrolled high blood sugar can injure the nerves and pacemaker cells that regulate digestion as well as the blood vessels that supply the nerves with nutrients. At the same time, gastroparesis often causes difficult-to-control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

Other causes of gastroparesis include Parkinson's disease, connective tissue disorders such as scleroderma, autoimmune conditions, injury to the vagus nerve during abdominal surgery or radiation therapy, viral infections, and certain drugs, especially narcotic pain medications and some antidepressants.

Untreated gastroparesis can lead to excessive weight loss, malnourishment, overgrowth of harmful intestinal bacteria, erratic blood sugar levels and bezoars — solid masses of undigested food similar to hairballs in a cat. Although available treatments cannot cure the disorder, dietary changes — sometimes in conjunction with medications — can ease symptoms for many patients.

Learn more about gastroparesis at www.MayoClinic.com.