Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) is a chronic functional disorder of unknown cause characterized by recurring attacks of intense nausea, vomiting and sometimes abdominal pain, headaches or migraines. Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome usually develops during childhood between the age of 3 and 7 years and can continue into adult life. But there are instances where Cyclical Vomiting has been seen in infants who are as young as 6 days and in adults who are as old as 73 years.
Cyclic vomiting syndrome in children is common with a migraine, some experience nausea, and some experience actual vomiting during the migraine attacks. Specifically, those children under the age of six years vomiting may be the main symptom of a migraine, it may last starting with regular events and continue for several hours or days. are correlated. The child may have all the symptoms of migraine attacks except for a headache.
Around 2 out of 100 children suffer episodes of vomiting, at least, five times per year, younger children are more affected than older ones. About half of the children with Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) grow up to suffer typical migraine attacks with a headache as the main symptom. Many affected individuals have a family history of related conditions, such as migraines in their mother or maternal relatives. Most children who have this disorder miss on an average 24 school days a year.
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CVS occurs more to females than males and the ratio is 57:43. Many people lose the ability to eat and suffer from a loss of throat functions. Patients with CVS will puke or vomit in the form of acid or bile with anticipated uniformity and in some cases, severe blood may be vomited. Water is commonly consumed to moderate the irritation of vomiting. Between the occurrences the sufferer is generally normal and healthy, otherwise can be in a weak state of fatigue or suffer from muscle pain.
Children who suffer from migraines are more likely to develop Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS). A number of medical studies in many patients suggest that Cyclic vomiting syndrome and migraines are related. In addition, many treatments used to treat migraine headaches are also effective in treating vomiting in kids.
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Symptoms
- People may experience Prodrome
- Nausea and Pallor (Pale color of skin)
- Sensitivity to light, smells and sound
- Muscle pain and fatigue
- Sensitivity to stress and heat
- Infections (such as cold)
- Lack of sleep
- Weakness
- Dehydration
Also Read: Chronic Migraine
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Diagnosis
A complete diagnostic evaluation including history, physical examination, natural blood and urine tests, x-ray and ultrasound scan may be needed to eliminate conditions that may present with the incidence of vomiting. The criteria for the diagnosis of cyclic vomiting include
- At least five attacks, fulfilling criteria 2 and 3 mentioned below
- Episodic attacks, intense nausea lasting one hour to five days
- Vomiting during attacks, at least, four times per hour
- Symptom-free between attacks
- Not attributed to another disorder
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Treatment
what causes Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome is not yet determined and hence, the cure is still unknown. But there are medications for the prevention and treatment. There are remedies which may be helpful in either preventing, aborting or reducing the severity of the attack such as Ondansetron (Zofran), Granisetron (Kytril) and Dronabinol (Marinol).
The treatment of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) with a schedule of anti-migraine medications such as Topiramate and Amitriptyline for cyclic vomiting syndrome is showing ability in preventing the periodic attacks. But this treatment is not licensed for children under 12 years of age. The objective of treatment of acute attacks is to provide medications that may prevent or stop vomiting and to give as many fluids as can be tolerated in order to prevent dehydration.
Dana Swaters says
My son is 15 and was diagnosed with Cyclic Migraine a few years ago but has suffered with it since he was about 1 1/2-2 years old. We have seen several nuerologists over the years but with no success. His migraines have changed over the years from headache pain w/vomiting, sometimes severe stomach pain, to sometimes just headache/stomach pain with no vomiting, but they always last 1-2 weeks, so he misses several days of school. His last 6 attacks have been 111-112 days apart, which I know sounds strange but I have kept track and the last few attacks have come right on schedule. He has been on Maxalt and a couple of Triptan, drugs but nothing has helped or lessoned the the severity of the migraine. We are now using only Ibuprofen when he gets an attack and incorporating essential oils and pressure points along with the Cefaly, and several vitamin supplements. These may help the severity at the time but don’t do anything to lessen the length, and even if he is feeling better at the end of the day after a night of sleep he wakes up with a full blown migraine the next morning. Is there anything out there that has been shown to keep an attack from coming or at least cut the time it lasts?
admin says
Hi Dana,
Thank you for posting your story. I felt so heart trembling after reading through your post. Hope your son gets recovered soon with CVS, my best wishes are with him.
As far as treatment is concerned, nothing substantial has been achieved yet. I would recommend providing good fluids to keep him well hydrated during the episodes. Most treatments vary from patient to patient, it’s only through trial and error we can find out a suitable treatment.
I am happy to know that you are keeping track of the episodes, this will help you in understanding the nature of the CVS and find a suitable treatment soon.
Keep us posted with your comments, it will help our readers and motivate them.
Thank You!