What is Cyclic vomiting syndrome
Cyclic vomiting syndrome description. Find out what Cyclic vomiting syndrome is and know more about it.
Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a rare, chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unpredictable episodes of severe, persistent nausea and vomiting that can last for hours or days. While the exact cause remains under investigation, it is classified as a brain-gut interaction disorder that significantly impacts both the digestive and nervous systems, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach to management.
What exactly happens during an episode of Cyclic vomiting syndrome?
During an episode of Cyclic vomiting syndrome, patients experience intense, uncontrollable vomiting and retching that often occurs in a stereotypical pattern—meaning each episode looks and feels similar to the last for that specific individual. These episodes are frequently accompanied by extreme lethargy, dehydration, and intense thirst. Because Cyclic vomiting syndrome affects the nervous system, patients may also experience non-digestive symptoms such as cold sweats, hot flashes, restless legs, and significant psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, which can be exacerbated by the exhaustion of the physical symptoms.
Who is most likely to be affected by Cyclic vomiting syndrome?
Cyclic vomiting syndrome was historically considered a pediatric condition, but clinical literature now recognizes that it can affect individuals of all ages. While onset is most common in early childhood (averaging around 5 years of age), many patients continue to experience symptoms into adulthood. There is no significant geographic clustering, and the condition appears across all ethnic backgrounds. Currently, 863 individuals with Cyclic vomiting syndrome have joined the DiseaseMaps community to share their experiences, highlighting the global reach of this condition.
What causes Cyclic vomiting syndrome?
The exact pathophysiology of Cyclic vomiting syndrome is not fully understood, but researchers believe it involves a complex "brain-gut" communication breakdown. It is frequently linked to migraine-like mechanisms, as many patients or their close family members have a history of migraine headaches. The following factors are commonly associated with triggering episodes:
- Physical or emotional stress (often called "trigger factors").
- Certain food sensitivities or dietary triggers (such as chocolate, cheese, or MSG).
- Infections or illnesses that disrupt the body’s internal balance.
- Sleep deprivation or changes in sleep patterns.
- Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in female patients.
How is Cyclic vomiting syndrome distinguished from other illnesses?
A diagnosis of Cyclic vomiting syndrome is primarily one of exclusion, meaning doctors must rule out other structural or metabolic causes of vomiting, such as anatomical blockages or endocrine disorders. Unlike common gastroenteritis, Cyclic vomiting syndrome is defined by its periodicity—there are distinct "well periods" between attacks where the patient feels completely healthy. Differentiating it from other conditions is critical because the management involves specific prophylactic medications such as Amitriptyline, CoQ-10, and L-Carnitine, which are tailored to the neurological and metabolic profile of the patient rather than standard digestive treatments.
Next steps
- Consult with a gastroenterologist or neurologist who specializes in autonomic nervous system disorders.
- Maintain a detailed "vomiting diary" to identify potential triggers and episode patterns for your physician.
- Join the DiseaseMaps community to connect with others sharing similar experiences and coping strategies.
- Discuss with your medical team whether prophylactic therapies like CoQ-10 or Amitriptyline are appropriate for your specific case.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.
References
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Overview.
- Orphanet: Rare Disease Database (ORPHA:93946).
- Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM): Cyclic vomiting syndrome (Entry #613027).
- Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association (CVSA): Clinical guidelines and patient support resources.
Posted Jan 21, 2018 by Laura 3890
From rarediseases.org:
Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is an uncommon disorder affecting both children and adults and characterized by recurrent, episodes of severe nausea and vomiting. An episode may last for a few hours to several days and then is followed by a period of time during which affected individuals are free of severe nausea and vomiting. Some can experience milder symptoms between attacks. This alternating pattern of disease and disease-free periods distinguishes cyclic vomiting syndrome from other gastrointestinal disorders. Also, in cyclic vomiting syndrome, within each sufferer the episodes are similar to each other. The associated nausea and vomiting can be severe enough to incapacitate the individual who may be unable to walk or talk and/or be bedridden. Additional symptoms often present during an episode include dizziness, paleness of the skin (pallor), lack of energy (listlessness), abdominal pain and headaches. Oftentimes, nausea is the most disturbing symptom, moreso than vomiting. In some cases as children grow older, they outgrow these episodes, but many eventually develop migraines. Cyclic vomiting syndrome may affect children more often than adults. The exact cause of cyclic vomiting syndrome is unknown.
Posted Feb 19, 2018 by Rachel 4410
Posted May 29, 2019 by Nicci 3070
Posted May 30, 2019 by Chloe 3120
The episodes of nausea, vomiting, and lethargy last anywhere from an hour to 10 days. An affected person may vomit several times per hour, potentially leading to a dangerous loss of fluids (dehydration). Additional symptoms can include unusually pale skin (pallor), abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, fever, and an increased sensitivity to light (photophobia) or to sound (phonophobia). In most affected people, the signs and symptoms of each attack are quite similar. These attacks can be debilitating, making it difficult for an affected person to go to work or school.
Episodes of nausea, vomiting, and lethargy can occur regularly or apparently at random, or can be triggered by a variety of factors. The most common triggers are emotional excitement and infections. Other triggers can include periods without eating (fasting), temperature extremes, lack of sleep, overexertion, allergies, ingesting certain foods or alcohol, and menstruation.
Posted May 30, 2019 by Cassandra Katharina Minerva 4050
CVS is characterized by recurrent, prolonged attacks of severe vomiting, nausea, pain and lethargy, with no apparent cause. Vomiting persists at frequent intervals, 5-8 times per hour at the peak, for periods ranging from hours to days or even weeks. Between episodes sufferers will often have daily symptoms of nausea, vomiting and pain.
Someone with CVS will frequently feel very sick and will vomit violently. They will then recover from the episode, before experiencing another episode perhaps a month or even a week later. These vomiting attacks are not explained by an infection or other illness. CVS can affect a person for months, years or even decades. Symptoms can be so severe that some sufferers may need to stay in bed and be treated in hospital during an episode. It can be a frightening condition that affects everyday life. There is no cure for CVS.
CVS was first described by paediatrician Samuel Gee in 1882. It has been suggested that Charles Darwin's adult illnesses may have been due to this syndrome.
How common is cyclic vomiting syndrome?
Experts don’t know how common cyclic vomiting syndrome is in adults. However, experts believe that cyclic vomiting syndrome may be just as common in adults as in children. Doctors diagnose about 3 out of 100,000 children with cyclic vomiting syndrome every year and 1 in 200,000 adults.
Who is more likely to get cyclic vomiting syndrome?
You may be more likely to get cyclic vomiting syndrome if you have
migraines or a family history of migraine
a tendency to get motion sickness
Among adults with cyclic vomiting syndrome, about 6 out of 10 are Caucasian.
Posted Jul 12, 2021 by CVS Network - Angie 2875
