Cyclic vomiting syndrome

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Cyclic vomiting syndrome causes severe vomiting, nausea and gagging — sometimes as often as 12 times an hour. Episodes in children generally last only a day or two, but adults can have symptoms for almost a week. Adults tend to have about four episodes a year, while children have about 12. Episodes typically begin late at night or first thing in the morning.

Other common signs and symptoms include pallor and exhaustion. Some people are also sensitive to light during cyclic vomiting episodes and may develop:

  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
References
  1. Dulude E. Cyclic vomiting syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/online/content/topic.do?topicKey=gi_dis/26569&selectedTitle=1~6&source=search_result. Accessed Oct. 8, 2008.
  2. Cyclic vomiting syndrome. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/cvs/index.htm. Accessed Oct. 8, 2008.
  3. Di Lorenzo C. Approach to the child with nausea and vomiting. http://www.uptodate.com/online/content/topic.do?topicKey=pedigast/7584&selectedTitle=3~6&source=search_result. Accessed Oct. 8, 2008.
  4. Pareek NP. Cyclic vomiting syndrome: What a gastroenterologist needs to know. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2007;102(12):2832-2840.
  5. Hoecker JL [expert opinion]. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 14, 2008.

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Nov. 26, 2008

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