what is gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis is a medical condition that affects the normal movement of the stomach muscles

Gastroparesis is a medical condition that affects the normal movement of the stomach muscles, leading to delayed emptying of the stomach. The term "gastroparesis" is derived from the Greek words "gastro" meaning stomach and "paresis" meaning paralysis. The condition occurs when the nerves that control the muscles of the stomach are damaged or do not function properly. As a result, food does not move through the digestive tract at the normal pace, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and feeling full quickly.

The exact cause of gastroparesis is often unknown, but it is commonly associated with diabetes. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of gastroparesis. High levels of blood sugar can damage the nerves that control stomach motility, leading to delayed gastric emptying. Other possible causes of gastroparesis include certain medications, such as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists) (Ozempic, Trulicity, Saxenda, Mounjaro, and Weegovy) opioid painkillers and antidepressants, as well as neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.

The symptoms of gastroparesis can vary from mild to severe and may come and go over time. Some individuals may experience frequent episodes of nausea and vomiting, while others may only have occasional discomfort after eating. In severe cases, gastroparesis can lead to malnutrition and unintended weight loss. This condition can also affect blood sugar control in individuals with diabetes, making it more challenging to manage their blood glucose levels.

Diagnosis of gastroparesis typically involves a medical history review, physical examination, and various tests. These tests may include imaging studies such as an upper gastrointestinal series or gastric emptying scan, which tracks the movement of food through the digestive system. Additionally, a doctor may perform an endoscopy to examine the stomach lining or order blood tests to rule out other potential causes of symptoms.

Treatment for gastroparesis focuses on managing symptoms and improving stomach emptying. Dietary changes are often recommended, such as eating smaller, more frequent meals that are low in fiber and fat. Medications that help stimulate stomach contractions, such as prokinetic agents like metoclopramide, may also be prescribed. In some cases, a feeding tube or implanted device called a gastric electrical stimulation (GES) device may be necessary to provide nutrition and improve stomach motility.

In conclusion, gastroparesis is a condition characterized by delayed emptying of the stomach due to impaired muscle function or nerve damage. It can cause various symptoms and is often associated with diabetes. Diagnosis involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and tests. Treatment focuses on symptom management and improving stomach motility through dietary changes, medications, and in some cases, medical devices.

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The Law Offices of Timothy L. Miles
Tapestry at Brentwood Town Center
​300 Centerview Dr., #247
Brentwood, TN 37027
Phone: (855) 846–6529
​​Email: [email protected]
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TIMOTHY L. MILES, ESQ.​

Nashville attorney Timothy L. Miles is a nationally recognized shareholder rights attorney raised in Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Miles has dedicated his career to representing shareholders, employees, and consumers in complex class-action litigation. Whether serving as lead, co-lead, or liaison counsel, Mr. Miles has helped recover hundreds of millions of dollars for defrauded investors,  shaped precedent-setting decisions, and delivered real corporate governance reforms. Judges and peers have repeatedly recognized Mr. Miles’ relentless advocacy for the underdog, as well as his unbendable ethical standards. Mr. Miles was recently selected by Martindale-Hubbell® and ALM as a 2022 Top Ranked Lawyer, 2022 Top Rated Litigator. and a 2022 Elite Lawyer of the South. Mr. Miles also maintains the AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, their highest rating for both legal ability and ethics. Mr. Miles is a member of the prestigious Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers: The National Trial Lawyers Association,​Class Action:  Class Action: Top National Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association (2023), a superb rated attorney by Avvo, a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by Premier Lawyers of America (2019) and recognized as a Distinguished Lawyer, Recognizing Excellence in Securities Law, by Lawyers of Distinction (2019); a Top Rated Litigator by Martindale-Hubbell® and ALM  (2019-2022); America’s Most Honored Lawyers 2020 – Top 1% by America’s Most Honored (2020-2022).  Mr. Miles has published over sixty articles on various issues of the law, including class actions, whistleblower cases, products liability, civil procedure, derivative actions, corporate takeover litigation, corporate formation, mass torts, dangerous drugs, and more.  Please visit our website or call for free anytime.

CONTACT                                                      
The Law Offices of Timothy L. Miles
Tapestry at Brentwood Town Center
​300 Centerview Dr., #247
Brentwood, TN 37027
​​Phone: (855) 846-6529
​Email: [email protected]