Effects of intracranial hypertension on gastric myoelectrical activity evaluated by using clinical and radiological symptoms

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acute and chronic increases in intracranial pressure (ICP) cause a dramatic autonomic dysfunction. The aim of the study is to evaluate effects of acute and chronic ICP on gastric myoelectrical activity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 80 patients hospitalized in the Department of Neurotraumatology of the Jagiellonian University Medical College. The control group included 16 healthy volunteers matched with gender and age. Gastric myoelectrical activity was captured with cutaneous electrodes and Synectics (Sweden) system of storing and analyzing the data. RESULTS: Results of the study were analyzed in the Department of Pathophysiology of the Jagiellonian University Medical College. Most significant changes on gastric myoelectrical activity were observed in patients after a severe head injury with acute intracranial hypertension (Glasgow Coma Scale: 4-7 points). The percentage of bradygastria timing increased up to 50%. In this group of patients the increase in amplitude of the signal was observed. Significant dysrhythmias up to 40% occurred in patients with chronic increase of intracranial pressure caused by brain tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Most significant changes on gastric myoelectrical activity were observed in patients after a severe head injury with acute intracranial hypertension (Glasgow Coma Scale: 4-7 points). The percentage of bradygastria timing increased up to 50%. Gastric dysmotility was caused by stimulation of both arms of the autonomic nervous system.