Can traumatic brain injury with whiplash cause gastroparesis?

Graham

Gastroparesis, or delayed stomach emptying, is a condition in which the stomach muscle does not contract properly, which in turn impairs the ability of the gastrointestinal tract to digest food. Most cases of gastroparesis stem from other underlying diseases or injuries. For example, in people with diabetes, poor control of blood sugar may damage the gastrointestinal nerves, leading to gastroparesis. Some cases of gastroparesis occur after a viral infection of the stomach, while others are a result of trauma to nerves and muscle during stomach surgery.

Many neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis, can lead to gastroparesis. The condition can also be brought on by a traumatic brain injury, such as that caused by an auto accident or by a stroke. Although it is not known exactly how an injury of the central nervous system affects the gastrointestinal system, we do know that there are many neural connections between the two systems. So, it is not surprising that severe malfunction of the brain or spinal cord can lead to abnormal muscle function in the stomach. The therapy for the gastroparesis in such cases involves treating the underlying brain injury. Supportive care in the form of medications and dietary changes is also usually given until the nervous system is able to recover.