Looking Beyond the Gut

Most of us don’t think twice about going to the toilet, swallowing or digesting food. The brain and gut do the work on their own – sending signals to move food and drink through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with a series of contractions.

But, for children with a functional GI disorder, the signals that the brain sends to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract – and vice versa – can become confused.

When that happens, the stomach may not be signaling that it’s full and needs to be emptied. Or, the brain may be sending signals to tighten muscles during a bowel movement when it should be relaxing muscles. And, for other children, problems in the brain can make it difficult to swallow food.

This brain-gut connection is why our neurogastroenterologists look beyond the gastrointestinal tract to get to the bottom of your child’s motility disorder. This gives us the insight we need to understand how your child’s body works – and what we can do to treat the functional or motility disorder, ease symptoms and bring your child comfort.

A Holistic Approach for Disorders of the Gut-brain Interaction

Parents of children with disorders of the gut-brain interaction understand the impact these conditions can have on their child. Disorders of the gut-brain interactions occur when the nerves in the wall of the GI tract don’t work properly, or the brain sends incorrect signals to the gut causing persistent and recurring GI symptoms that affect quality of life.

Irritable bowel syndrome is the most common disorders of the gut-brain interaction. Symptoms of disorders of the gut-brain interactions typically include abdominal pain, diarrhea and/or constipation, among others.

Our disorders of the gut-brain interaction clinic brings in experts across departments to offer treatments that may include medication, cognitive behavioral therapy and neuromodulation. Our team includes psychologists, clinicians, dietitians and others – making it easier for your child to receive the interdisciplinary care they need.

Here, we understand there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment. We’ll work closely with you to find the plan that’s just right for your child and family.

A Seamless Approach to Care

Managing and treating a motility disorder or disorders of the gut-brain interaction can be complex and confusing for parents and children. That’s why, from day one, we are on the same page – with surgeons, dietitians, behavioral health experts, radiologists and, most importantly, your child and you.

Our close partnership with the colorectal surgery team means no more bouncing between appointments and deciphering medical speak.

When possible, our gastroenterologists and surgeons meet with you at the same time – in the same room – to outline the best treatment plan for your child. We explore non-surgical options, new therapies to try and decide together what the best next step is. And if needed, we’ll discuss possible surgical approaches.

It’s how we’re building confident kids, happy families and better outcomes.