What is CVS (cyclic vomiting syndrome)?
What causes cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS)?
The definite cause of CVS is unknown. A number of medical studies suggest that in most patients, CVS is related to migraine. The sudden onset of attacks with spontaneous resolution is also seen in patients with migraine
headaches. Most (but not all) children with CVS have a family history of migraine. In addition, many of the treatments used to treat migraine headaches are also effective in treating CVS. Diagnosing cyclical vomiting is difficult for most doctors, because CVS is a rare condition.
There is a long list of diseases and problems that cause vomiting. These include: gastroesophageal reflux (acid reflux), stomach inflammation, pancreas inflammation, urinary
infections, food allergies, and stomach infections. Most of these problems have
a beginning and end, or are recurrent – symptoms occur every day or on most
days. However, bouts of severe vomiting separated by well periods is very
unusual, and should make a physician or family suspect the diagnosis of CVS.
What are the Treatment options for cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS)?
Treatment for CVS is divided into two major types: abortive therapy and prophylactic therapy. Abortive therapy means giving treatments to stop the episode once it starts, and only giving that treatment during the episode. In contrast, prophylactic therapy means giving a medication every day, whether the child is well or sick, in order to prevent episodes from coming on. Once a CVS episode starts, it can be very hard to stop. For many patients, the best treatment is supportive, and can, in severe cases, include intravenous fluids and a quiet room in a hospital. Antinausea medicines, including ondansetron (Zofran), promethazine (Phenergan), and chlorpromazine (Thorazine) are sometimes used to reduce the feelings of nausea. Other patients may benefit from antimigraine treatments like sumatriptan (Imitrex). After enough time passes (usually hours to days), most patients come out of the episode. Prophylactic treatments are medications given on a daily basis to try to prevent episodes from coming on. Prophylactic medications include cyproheptadine, propranolol, and amitriptyline.
Your Pediatric Team at PB Digestive
Sari M. Kay, MD is a board-certified Pediatric Gastroenterologist. She has a specialties and expertise in treating patients with inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, constipation, infant reflux, and functional GI disorders.
Laura E. Irastorza, MD is a board-certified Pediatric Gastroenterologist. She has expertise in treating patients with eosinophilic esophagitis, constipation, reflux, and functional GI disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.
