These modify not only GI motility, but also perceptions from the gut. Whether the perceptions feel good or feel bad has important consequences on diet. Motility disorders occur when the nerves in the gastrointestinal tract are missing, immature, or damaged by infections or toxins. In this case, the nerves and muscles of the GI tract do not function in a strong or coordinated fashion. In this case, the coordinated contractions produced by the GI muscles are too weak to move the intestinal contents.
Symptoms soon arise when there are abnormalities in the strength or coordination of contractions.
Sometimes the symptoms are accompanied by evidence of growth failure or tissue damage. The symptoms may vary depending on the location and severity of the abnormalities. Heartburn and constipation are common symptoms of motility disorders. It accounts for 50 percent of all patients who see a GI specialist. Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction is the name given to a group of rare nerve and muscle disorders which severely affect gastrointestinal motility.