Gastroparesis Causes

Gastroparesis is a long term condition. It leads to inability of the stomach to empty its contents in the intestines. There is usually no blockage but damage to the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is one of the most important nerves that regulate the muscles of the stomach and intestines and helps in forward propulsion of food.

When this nerve and other important nerves are damaged the muscles of the stomach and intestines do not work properly and the movement of food is slowed.

Causes of nerve damage

In some of the cases of gastroparesis the cause of the damage to the nerves is unknown. This is called idiopathic gastroparesis.

The most common cause of gastroparesis however is underlying diabetes mellitus. Diabetes leads to increased blood sugar. Raise blood sugar often damages blood vessels that supply essential nutrients to the nerves.

Over time diabetes damages nerves in a process called neuropathy. When the vagus nerve is damaged it predisposes a person to develop gastroparesis.

Other causes of gastroparesis

Other causes of gastroparesis include:-

  • Gastroparesis may occur after surgical damage to the stomach muscles and nerves. This may occur as a complication of some types of surgery, such as removal of part of the stomach or gastrectomy.
  • Some medicines also cause gastroparesis. Medications and drugs associated with impaired gastric emptying include narcotics, tricyclic antidepressants, calcium channel blockers (like verapamil), clonidine, dopamine agonists (such as those used in Parkinson’s disease), Lithium (used for bipolar disorders), Nicotine and Progesterone
  • Nerve diseases like Parkinson’s disease also lead to gastroparesis
  • Multiple sclerosis is another important cause of gastroparesis
  • Diseases like amyloidosis and sclerosderma may also cause gastroparesis. Scleroderma results in hard, thickened areas of skin and other areas. Amyloidosis leads to deposits of abnormal protein in tissues and organs throughout the body
  • Some viral infections
  • Anorexia and bulimia nervosa may also cause gastroparesis over time as a complication
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • Abdominal migraine
  • Metabolic disorders including hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid functioning may also cause gastroparesis.
  • Cancer radiation treatment applied over the chest or abdomen may also damage the nerves and lead to gastroparesis

Further Reading

Last Updated: Jun 17, 2023

Dr. Ananya Mandal

Written by

Dr. Ananya Mandal

Dr. Ananya Mandal is a doctor by profession, lecturer by vocation and a medical writer by passion. She specialized in Clinical Pharmacology after her bachelor's (MBBS). For her, health communication is not just writing complicated reviews for professionals but making medical knowledge understandable and available to the general public as well.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Mandal, Ananya. (2023, June 17). Gastroparesis Causes. News-Medical. Retrieved on October 31, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Gastroparesis-Causes.aspx.

  • MLA

    Mandal, Ananya. "Gastroparesis Causes". News-Medical. 31 October 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/health/Gastroparesis-Causes.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Mandal, Ananya. "Gastroparesis Causes". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Gastroparesis-Causes.aspx. (accessed October 31, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Mandal, Ananya. 2023. Gastroparesis Causes. News-Medical, viewed 31 October 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/health/Gastroparesis-Causes.aspx.

Comments

  1. Linda Stanton Linda Stanton United States says:

    Great Article.. Thank you ~

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.