Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a condition of recurrent episodes of intense nausea and vomiting lasting hours to days separated by completely symptom-free periods. The cause is unknown but there appears to be an increased incidence in children who have a family or personal history of migraines.

Incidence of CVS

CVS occurs most commonly in children ages 3 to 7 years old but can occur at any age, including adulthood.

Signs and Symptoms of CVS

There may or may not be a warning sign or trigger prior to the start of a cyclic vomiting episode. If there is a trigger or warning sign, it may occur within minutes to hours prior to the episode.

Some examples of triggers or warning signs:

• Feeling tired
• Foods like chocolate and cheese
• Eating too much or right before bed
• Allergies
• Heat
• Increased physical exertion
• Lack of sleep
• Motion sickness
• Hormonal changes
• Stress (good and bad)
• Sinus problems
• Illness

During the vomiting episode, other symptoms may include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Fever
• Dizziness
• Abdominal pain
• Unable to eat, drink, or take medications
• Light or sound sensitivity
• Dehydration

Diagnosis of CVS

Members of your child’s healthcare team might ask if your child has had:

• Three or more episodes a year with severe vomiting and nausea
• Two episodes that have lasted for hours to days but less than a week
• Periods of being symptom-free with no nausea or vomiting

There is no one specific test to diagnose cyclic vomiting. Your child’s healthcare team will rule out other causes of the symptoms such as:

• Inner ear problems
• Metabolic problems
• Intestinal problems such as a rotation in the intestines, or blockage
• Kidney problems
• Central nervous system problems
• Eating disorders
• Pregnancy

Treatment for CVS

There is no cure for CVS, but there are treatments. Each child's treatment plan is unique.

Treatment options can include:

• Dietary and lifestyle changes (avoiding dietary triggers, getting enough sleep)
• Medications (to prevent episodes or stop an episode)
• IV fluids
• Other supportive measures (counseling, family support)

Over time, most children do grow out of CVS.

Call Your Child's Doctor If Your Child Experiences:

• Signs of possible dehydration – dizziness, weakness, dark urine, eyes sunken, eyes unable to make tears, loss of sweat in armpits and groin, or heart palpitations.
• Unusual behavioral or motor / balance changes
• Vomiting violently with no relief with prescribed medications
• Severe abdominal pain
• Severe headache
• High fever
• Coughing up blood from vomiting