Structural changes to the enteric nervous system are not restricted to areas of active inflammation.
Functional abnormalities can persist long after resolution of the inflammation.
Many patients with acute gastroenteritis develop chronic functional GI symptoms. Brain Physiology Stress reproducibly alters gastrointestinal motility and sensation. The release of corticotropin releasing factor from the hypothalamus may mediate the stress response. Visceral pain in IBS is associated with increased prefrontal cortex activation. The limbic system is involved in emotion, mood, and visceral autonomic control.