R11.15

Clinical Causes: Genetic predisposition, possibly affecting brain regions that control nausea and vomiting Altered gut motility or visceral sensitivity Dysfunction of the central nervous system, influencing nausea pathways Psychological factors such as stressful life events or anxiety Environmental triggers like infections, certain foods, or hormonal changes Dysregulation of the brain-gut axis Other medical conditions, including mitochondrial disorders or metabolic issues

Key Symptoms: Recurrent episodes of intense vomiting that may last several hours to days Nausea often preceding vomiting episodes Abdominal pain or discomfort during episodes Weakness and fatigue following vomiting bouts Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances if episodes are frequent or prolonged Altered appetite or rapid weight loss in severe cases Absence of other underlying conditions that cause vomiting, confirmed through diagnosis

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosing cyclical vomiting syndrome unrelated to migraine involves a comprehensive medical history and physical examination. Healthcare providers may perform a series of tests to rule out other causes of vomiting, including blood work, imaging studies, and endoscopy. A key aspect of diagnosis is recognizing the pattern of episodes—recurrent and stereotyped—with symptom-free periods in between. Diagnostic criteria typically require at least three vomiting episodes within six months, with periods of normal health in between, and no evidence of other medical or gastrointestinal disorders.

Treatment Protocols: Management of CVS focuses on alleviating symptoms, preventing episodes, and minimizing their impact. Treatment strategies may include: