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In this Article

• Cyclic vomiting syndrome facts*
• What is cyclic vomiting syndrome?
• What are the symptoms of cyclic vomiting syndrome?
• What triggers cyclic vomiting syndrome?
• What are the four phases of cyclic vomiting syndrome?
• How is cyclic vomiting syndrome diagnosed?
• How is cyclic vomiting syndrome treated?
• What are the complications if cyclic vomiting syndrome is not treated?
• What is the relationship between cyclic vomiting syndrome and migraines?
• What other features and conditions accompany cyclic vomiting syndrome?
• How common is cyclic vomiting syndrome?
• What are the genetic changes related to cyclic vomiting syndrome?
• How do people inherit cyclic vomiting syndrome?
• What other names do people use for cyclic vomiting syndrome?
• Find a local Doctor in your town
• Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) Index

Cyclic vomiting syndrome is characterized by attacks of intense nausea, vomiting, and lethargy that last anywhere from an hour to 10 days. An affected person may vomit several times per hour, potentially leading to a dangerous loss of fluids (dehydration). Additional symptoms can include unusually pale skin (pallor), abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, and an increased sensitivity to light (photophobia) or to sound (phonophobia). In most affected people, the signs and symptoms of each attack are quite similar. These attacks can be debilitating, making it difficult for an affected person to go to work or school.

Episodes of nausea and vomiting can be triggered by several different factors. The most common triggers are emotional excitement and infections. Other triggers can include periods without eating (fasting), temperature extremes, lack of sleep, overexertion, allergies, ingesting certain foods or alcohol, and menstruation.

Cyclic vomiting syndrome has four phases:

Symptom-free interval phase. This phase is the period between episodes when no symptoms are present.

Prodrome phase. This phase signals that an episode of nausea and vomiting is about to begin. Often marked by nausea - with or without abdominal pain - this phase can last from just a few minutes to several hours. Sometimes, taking medicine early in the phase can stop an episode in progress. However, sometimes there is no warning; a person may simply wake up in the morning and begin vomiting.

Vomiting phase. This phase consists of nausea and vomiting; an inability to eat, drink, or take medicines without vomiting; paleness; drowsiness; and exhaustion.

Recovery phase. This phase begins when the nausea and vomiting stop. Healthy color, appetite, and energy return.