Condition
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) in Children
A pattern of recurrent, stereotyped vomiting episodes that can be exhausting and frightening, and treatable with the right plan.
Cyclic vomiting syndrome involves recurrent episodes of intense nausea and vomiting that look very similar each time, with stretches of normal health in between. Episodes can land children in the ER repeatedly.
Dr. Mendez rules out other causes, identifies common triggers, and partners with families on a written abortive and preventive plan so that future episodes are shorter, milder, or avoided altogether.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms
- Stereotyped vomiting episodes, often starting at the same time of day
- Periods of complete wellness between episodes
- Nausea, pallor, lethargy, and abdominal pain during episodes
- Common triggers: stress, illness, certain foods, lack of sleep
- Family history of migraine
Our Approach
How we treat it
- Careful history to confirm the cyclic pattern.
- Targeted testing to rule out metabolic and structural causes.
- A written episode plan including hydration, antiemetics, and when to seek ER care.
- Preventive strategies including sleep, hydration, and trigger management.
- Daily preventive medication when episodes are frequent or severe.
When to Reach Out
When to call a pediatric GI
- Three or more vomiting episodes following the same pattern.
- Repeated ER visits for vomiting and dehydration.
- Episodes interfering with school attendance.
- A child whose vomiting episodes are getting longer or more frequent.
Ready to talk it through?
Concierge access means we have the time to listen, evaluate carefully, and stay with your family through every step.