What is intestinal dysmotility?

Intestinal dysmotility is a motility disorder that affects gastric motility through an abnormal contraction of the intestinal muscles. The abnormal contractions are caused either by an incorrect signal from the nerves (neuropathy) or weakness in the muscles in the intestines (myopathy).

Neuropathy can cause disorganized contractions in the intestinal muscles. Myopathy makes it difficult for the intestine to move its contents down through the digestive tract. These abnormal motility patterns in the small intestine can lead to intestinal obstruction and can cause symptoms in children such as bloating, pain, nausea, vomiting and constipation.