There are more neurons in the gut than in the spinal cord. WHAT?! Dr Katja Kovacic is a pediatric gastroenterologist who specializes in the gut-brain connection especially through the perspective of the autonomic nervous system. She discusses the complex and difficult to treat functional gut disorders including IBS, cyclic vomiting syndrome, gastroparesis and chronic abdominal pain. Her experience is extensive. She describes the symptoms that come along with these conditions and some of the testing to diagnose these conditions. We then spend the second half of the show discussing treatment options. Dr Kovacic starts with a simple listing of some of the medication options (many for migraine and mood) and then we go deep into neuromodulation options. These can be vagal stimulators, deep brain stimulators, and sacral and tibial neuromodulation. We then turn our attention to the IBStim, an auricular (ear) neuromodulator that is FDA approved for IBS. Dr Kovacic shares her experience with hundreds of patients in clinic and in research. Our last device discussion is about the Safe & Sound Protocol which is acoustic neuromodulation (music therapy) based on Steven Porges work evolving the Polyvagal Theory. Finally, we review how hypermobile disorders, including Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, are inherently linked to altered autonomic activity with 90% of patients suffering from severe gut dysfunction- this is where the research is going next, and she describes a number of the studies being run through her clinic at the University of Wisconsin. These are incredible common but ultimately complex conditions being blown open by Dr Kovacic’s unique approach for understanding, diagnosing, treatments and research into these neurogastroenterologic conditions.  Listen and learn.

Find more about Dr Kovacic & see some of her other lectures: https://childrenswi.org/physician-directory/k/kovacic-katja-k