Gastroparesis is a condition in which food or liquid passes too slowly from the stomach into the small intestine. It is also called delayed gastric emptying or stomach paralysis, and often occurs in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Gastroparesis is usually caused by damage to the vagus nerve, which controls the muscular contractions of the stomach. The vagus nerve can become damaged in many ways. The most common are having diabetes or undergoing surgery to the esophagus, stomach or duodenum. Other common causes include taking certain medications (e.g,  narcotic pain relievers) and having certain disorders (e.g., scleroderma, Parkinson’s disease).

The most common signs and symptoms of gastroparesis include nausea, vomiting and feeling full early into a meal. Symptoms may be mild or severe depending on the patient.

Gastroparesis is usually diagnosed by a physician during a physical examination that includes a complete medical history. A number of tests including a gastric emptying study, an upper GI barium test and an upper endoscopy, may be performed to help detect gastroparesis or identify other conditions that may be producing symptoms.

There is no cure for gastroparesis. Therefore, treatment typically focuses on managing the condition. Treatment may include making changes in diet or eating habits, such as eating smaller meals more frequently, avoiding foods with high levels of fat and/or fiber and taking nutritional supplements. It may also include taking medications, such as antiemetics or prokinetics.