Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome
The Headache, Neck and Jaw Clinic are specialists in treating migraines and associated conditions, including cyclic vomiting syndrome.
What is Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome?
Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) shows up as sudden, intense episodes of vomiting that happen without any clear cause. These episodes often follow a specific pattern, usually starting at the same time of day, lasting about the same duration, and showing similar intensity.
CVS can strike people of any age, but it usually starts in children between three and seven years old. Episodes can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. Most children return to normal health between episodes. Adults, on the other hand, are more likely to have symptoms between acute episodes.
CVS Symptoms
The main symptoms of cyclic vomiting syndrome are recurring attacks of nausea and vomiting that can last up to several days. These episodes usually follow a similar pattern that looks something like this:
For most people, this phase starts in the early morning hours. You might start feeling sweaty and nauseous as the feeling grows.
This phase can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days with vomiting occurring several times an hour.
You will gradually improve as the vomiting and nausea decrease.
You return to normal.
You may also experience some or all of the following:
- Retching (dry heaving)
- Abdominal pain
- Drowsiness
- Lack of appetite
- Headaches and/or neck pain
What To Expect From Our Assessment
Comprehensive Examination
As part of your examination, we’ll listen to your story and discuss the headache and migraine symptoms you experience.
Hands-On Assessment
We assess the joints in your upper neck to determine the potential source of your headache or migraine symptoms
Symptom Relief
We use slow and sustained techniques and do not do any cracking or high-velocity techniques. You are always in control.
Patient Education
Our physiotherapists can provide education and answer any questions so you understand the cause of your headaches.
Diagnosing Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome
Cyclic vomiting syndrome can be difficult to diagnose since no single test can confirm it. Multiple factors can play a role, and healthcare providers will try to exclude other possible causes through blood tests, CT scans, MRIs, and upper endoscopies.
Early medical management is essential to clear more serious causes, but there are limited medical options that help this condition. Physiotherapy isn’t necessarily considered a first-choice treatment for CVS, but, when you consider the muscles in the neck and its neural pathways, it makes sense for a specialist headache and neck physiotherapist to get involved in the management of this condition.
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome and Migraines
Migraines and headaches originating in your neck can lead to nausea and vomiting, and cyclic vomiting syndrome can be considered a migraine where the only symptom is vomiting. Most people who suffer with cyclic vomiting syndrome will also have some degree of persistent neck pain and/or headache when the vomiting is in remission.
The physiotherapists at the Headache, Neck and Jaw Clinic are experts in determining whether the symptoms you are suffering from are coming from your neck or your jaw, and cyclic vomiting syndrome is no different. We can safely assess your neck to find out whether your vomiting is a symptom of a neck disorder and help you find lasting relief.
Book an Appointment
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort then don’t put it off - contact our friendly team today to make an appointment with one of our expert physiotherapists.
The Vagus Nerve and CVS
The nerves that originate in the upper neck share a common neural processing pathway in the brainstem with the trigeminal nerve (one of the main causes of headache) and the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is responsible for the regulation of internal organ functions, such as digestion, heart rate, and respiratory rate, as well as certain reflex actions, such as coughing, sneezing, and vomiting.
When the muscles and joints in the neck are compromised in exactly the wrong way, they place stress on the nerve roots in the neck, which in turn influence and compromise these more complex nerve pathways, resulting in referred pain in the head and an unstoppable stimulus to vomit.
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome and Migraines
Migraines and headaches originating in your neck can lead to nausea and vomiting, and cyclic vomiting syndrome can be considered a migraine where the only symptom is vomiting. Most people who suffer with cyclic vomiting syndrome will also have some degree of persistent neck pain and/or headache when the vomiting is in remission.
The physiotherapists at the Headache, Neck and Jaw Clinic are experts in determining whether the symptoms you are suffering from are coming from your neck or your jaw, and cyclic vomiting syndrome is no different. We can safely assess your neck to find out whether your vomiting is a symptom of a neck disorder and help you find lasting relief.
Why Choose the Headache, Neck & Jaw Clinic
If you’ve tried medications with no relief and ruled out other possible causes, we could still be able to help. As specialists in neuro-driven migraine care, we can help you find relief from cyclic vomiting syndrome through a hands-on clinical approach.
We offer longer initial appointments to fully understand your condition, and we measure outcomes objectively. That means if it’s not working, we’ll tell you. No ongoing appointments without progress. However, we’re confident that we can greatly improve the symptoms and patterns of your CVS, or at least eliminate the musculoskeletal system as a potential cause.
Book CVS Treatment With a Specialist Physio in Brisbane
Cyclical vomiting syndrome can create a frustrating pattern, but you don’t have to accept it as your normal. The physios here at the Headache, Neck & Jaw Clinic are here to help you or your children find relief.
Start reclaiming your health, energy and peace of mind. Book a consultation with the Headache, Neck & Jaw Clinic today.
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Book your appointment online today! Our CVS treatment plans can help with reducing vomiting episodes, managing symptoms and assisting you in your recovery.
Frequently Asked CVS Questions
Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome is a condition that causes repeated episodes of severe nausea and vomiting. These episodes can last hours or days and often occur with symptom-free periods in between.
Yes. Physiotherapy can support people with CVS by improving nervous system regulation and managing associated pain and tension.
Common triggers include stress, infections, sleep deprivation, certain foods, hormonal shifts, and sensory overstimulation. We can help you identify and manage physical or lifestyle triggers.
No problem. We can safely recreate the patterns behind your CVS using specific testing techniques. This allows us to confirm if your neck is involved.