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Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) is a chronic disorder characterized by recurrent, severe episodes of nausea and vomiting that last for hours or days, separated by periods of feeling completely healthy. The episodes are often predictable in pattern.
read more about cyclic vomiting syndrome ...The cause is unknown, but it is linked to the nervous system and hormonal imbalances. The disorder is strongly associated with migraine headaches and often follows an onset pattern triggered by stress, infection, or specific foods.
Episodes can begin suddenly and are usually stereotypical, meaning the timing, duration, and severity of the attack remain similar each time they occur. This episodic, predictable pattern is the main distinguishing factor from other digestive illnesses.
Symptoms reflect severe gastrointestinal distress: intense, persistent nausea, abdominal pain, and repeated vomiting. The main danger during an episode is severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance due to massive fluid loss, which often requires intravenous fluid administration.
The patient is typically unable to keep any fluids or food down during the acute phase of the attack, leading to rapid exhaustion. The risk of aspiration and dehydration means treatment must be delivered quickly in a clinical setting.
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome impacts eye health due to the severe, repetitive vomiting. The forceful action increases pressure in the head and face, which can rupture small blood vessels in the eyes, leading to noticeable redness and hemorrhages on the sclera (whites of the eyes). This repetitive straining can also exacerbate underlying migraine-related visual sensitivity (photophobia).
Diagnosis involves ruling out other gastrointestinal causes. The doctor relies heavily on the patient's history of recurrent, stereotypical attacks separated by long periods of wellness. Upper endoscopy and imaging may be used to eliminate structural problems like ulcers or blockages.
Management strategies focus on prevention and treatment during the attack. Prevention involves avoiding known triggers and using medication (anti-emetics and migraine medication). Acute episodes require immediate rest and anti-nausea drugs, often administered in a clinical setting.
No, CVS is a neurological/gastrointestinal disorder, not an infection, and is not contagious.
No, while it is common in children, it can also affect adults, though it is often misdiagnosed.
The attacks are separated by periods of good health, but when they occur, the vomiting is severe and relentless.
Seek care if vomiting prevents fluid intake for more than 24 hours. Relentless vomiting can cause "Mallory-Weiss tears" in the esophagus or "Subconjunctival Hemorrhages" (broken blood vessels in the eye) due to the intense pressure of retching.
NIDDK. Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (niddk.nih.gov). 2024.
Mayo Clinic. CVS Symptoms (mayoclinic.org). 2024.
Cleveland Clinic. Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (clevelandclinic.org). 2024.
StatPearls. Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). 2024.