Pediatric Neurogastroenterology and Motility Disorders Program

Providing the latest biofeedback technology to target and resolve your child’s severe constipation and motility disorders

Constipation is a common problem in children and is usually easily managed with changes in diet and lifestyle. However, when constipation becomes severe, it can lead to accidents of stool or urine, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. We offer diagnostic tests and state-of-the art treatments for motility disorders that interfere with your child’s comfort and health.

Motility is simply the muscles (sphincters) of the GI tract contracting in the esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines. When these muscles fail to function properly, it causes a motility disorder that can present with symptoms of persistent nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or bloating, constipation and fecal incontinence.

At Children's Health℠ our treatment methods focus on discovering the mind-body connection to these GI conditions, and care is delivered by a robust, pediatric multidisciplinary team that includes:

Gastroenterologists
Nurse practitioners
GI dietitians
GI psychologists
Otolaryngologists (ENT)
Pain management
Pulmonologists

Dallas

214-456-8000
Fax: 214-456-8005
Ste F4500

Request an Appointment with codes: Gastroenterology (GI)

Refer a Patient with Pediatric Neurogastroenterology and Motility Disorders Program

Accepted Insurance Plans

Conditions We Treat

Our Programs

Treatments and Services

Anal and Pyloric Botox
Anorectal Biofeedback
High-Resolution Antroduodenal Manometry
High-Resolution Anorectal Manometry
High-Resolution Colonic Manometry
High-Resolution Esophageal Manometry with Impedance
Impedance Resting for Reflux
Rectal Sensation Testing

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WATCHthe video

Jasmin is an accomplished musician and artist; she is also a dedicated student and beloved daughter, niece and granddaughter. Her family stands beside her through a condition called cyclic vomiting. The condition has already caused her to stay in the hospital more than a dozen times in her life.

On one extended stay, the family encountered a Children’s Health Child Life Specialist named Keeley who impacted her in a powerful way.

Jasmin’s mom Kimberly says, “Jasmin and I were overwhelmed with compassion and kindness that has left footprints on our hearts. We will forever be grateful to Keeley and how much she went above and beyond.”

Home of a certified motility lab

Our program is certified as a motility laboratory by the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society (ANMS). The team cares for more children in the region than any other – with over 200 procedures performed annually by compassionate motility nurses in a setting that puts your child at ease.

Gut health research in action

The key to a healthy digestive system is your child’s gut health. Our team is dedicated to microbiome research to help determine the brain-gut connection and how a healthy microbiome mitigates different diseases. We also study the developing gut and its motility, and have research focusing on treatments for abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome as well as gastroparesis.

Testing and treatment

Our state-of-the-art motility program offers diagnostic testing for motility disorders throughout the GI tract ranging from esophageal manometry, antroduodenal manometry, colonic manometry and anorectal manometry with testing for rectal sensations. We also offer impedance testing for reflux.

Treatment options include a bowel management program, multidisciplinary abdominal pain management program, pacemaker for gastroparesis, anorectal biofeedback program for issues with stool accidents as well as a multidisciplinary aerodigestive program.

Contact the pediatric GI specialists at Children’s Health for help with motility and impedance issues.

Resources

Related Patient Stories

Innovative GI care provides life-changing relief from chronic vomiting

Despite his family's and GI doctor's best efforts, Vance continued to throw up multiple times a day and struggled to gain weight. For April, dealing with the mess – and the rude stares that often came with it – simply became part of her new normal.

Living with chronic constipation: How one girl went from surviving to thriving

For most people, going to the bathroom comes naturally. But for one little girl and her family it was anything but easy.

Cutting edge surgery helps teen with gastroparesis return to normal life

At 15 years old, Hunter was busy making the most of high school. He played multiple sports, did well in classes and enjoyed spending time with his friends. So when the normally healthy teen started feeling nauseous on his way to a wrestling tournament in 2016, he and his mom just assumed he had caught some type of stomach virus.

Help for a hidden disorder: a young girl’s battle with cyclic vomiting syndrome

Imagine throwing up three or more times an hour, for days at a time, and reliving that experience every two months for no apparent reason. Add to that severe nausea and excessive sweating along with pain, dizziness, light sensitivity and headaches, and you have a peek inside Jasmin's world. Jasmin is 12 years old and has a gastrointestinal condition called cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS).

A patient facing severe GI issues gets answers and gains confidence

Mark is a happy middle schooler who likes playing basketball and hanging out with friends. However, an intestinal condition once prevented him from enjoying these everyday activities. Mark's parents, Jessica and Mitch, had spent years searching for a solution that would improve their son's quality of life before finally finding the answers and support they were looking for at Children's Health.

Meet the Care Team

Rinarani Sanghavi, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist

1245259324
Stevie Puckett-Perez, PhD, ABPP Pediatric Psychologist - Gastroenterology (GI)

1578966834
Rebecca Nolde-Hurlbert, APRN, CNS Clinical Nurse Specialist - Gastroenterology

1770663296
Jennifer Peacock, APRN, PNP-PC Nurse Practitioner - Gastroenterology

1417340035