Causes Of Gastroparesis

Parkinson's Disease

Gastroparesis may develop as a symptom of Parkinson's disease, which can affect the nervous system, including the vagus nerve. The cause of Parkinson's is still unknown, but a 2017 study by Swedish scientists states the illness can develop in the gut and work its way to the brain through the vagus nerve.

It has been estimated at least seventy percent of patients with Parkinson's suffer from gastroparesis symptoms such as abdominal bloating, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, nausea, and early satiety. It is also suggested symptoms might slow down the absorption of Parkinson's medication like levodopa.

Symptoms may be treated with the use of prokinetic agents. Another way patients can combat symptoms is by making changes to their diet. Furthermore, some sources have reported a surgical procedure called deep brain stimulation (DBS) can improve symptoms of gastroparesis in Parkinson's patients.