Definition:
Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a chronic vomiting disorder having no identified cause. It is most common in children ages 3-7 years which they will outgrow in teenage years. But since it is recurring, it can occasionally happen in adults as well.
Diagnosis:
Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a daignosis by exclusion. There is no specific test that confirms the presence of the syndrome. The most common tests for the severe vomiting done by doctors are for brain tumors, metabolic disorders, and inner ear problems.
Treatment:
The cyclic vomiting syndrome doesn't have any cure. Severe episodes would require hospitalization and medications which may include tricyclic antidepressants, analgesics, triptans and anti-nausea drugs.
Symptoms and Signs:
Severe vomiting, gagging and nausea that sometimes happen as frequent as 12 times in every hour for a day or two are among the symptoms of cyclic vomiting syndrome in children. In adults, they have the same symptoms but the episodes tend to last more than two days. Other symptoms are headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and dizziness.
Causes:
There is no known cause for the disorder, but studies show that some people who experience migraines have, in some cases a cyclic vomiting syndrome
