Cyclical vomiting syndrome
A condition that children and adults can get
What is cyclical vomiting syndrome?
It is often possible to predict when they will have an attack because the attacks are regular and take place in a time cycle of several weeks.
Symptoms
- Regular attacks of feeling very sick and vomiting (being sick)
- These attacks last from one hour to ten days
- The attacks take place more than one week apart but occur regularly, usually at the same time of the day, week, or month
- Feeling normal in between the attacks
Treatment options for cyclical vomiting syndrome
When diagnosing Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome, it is important that your doctor takes your medical history, and that you are physically examined. This is to rule out or diagnose other diseases. People with Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome often have other conditions.
Treatment should be similar to other types of migraine and may include anti-sickness and anti-depressant medication, but will be more limited for children.
You should try to identify if the Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome attacks have a common trigger such as bright light, poor sleep, travel or hunger. Avoiding or limiting these triggers can help with reducing the number of attacks, as does making sure that you get enough sleep, eating a balanced diet and avoiding being hungry. Relaxation and meditation techniques that improve overall wellbeing may help manage it too.
It is important to drink fluid after an attack so you don’t become dehydrated because of the vomiting.
