How is Cyclic vomiting syndrome diagnosed?

A GP will take their patient's family and medical history, and a full account of their symptoms.

A child may be suspected to have CVS if the following apply:
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they have had at least five vomiting episodes, or three separate episodes over six months
the episodes of nausea and vomiting last from one hour to 10 days
the episodes are similar each time
they vomit at least four times an hour for at least one hour
the vomiting is not caused by another disorder
they are well between episodes​

Similarly, an adult may have CVS if they have had three or more vomiting episodes in the past year that have each been similar, with no nausea or vomiting between episodes.

The high frequency of vomiting, and the fact that it often starts at night or early morning, are clues that the cause may be CVS and not another condition.

Blood or urine tests may be carried out (to rule out infection or kidney problems), and scans such as an endoscopy or abdominal ultrasound, to see if there is an abnormality in the digestive tract.

Only after other conditions have been ruled out will a diagnosis of CVS be made. At this stage, the patient may have been referred to a gastroenterologist (specialist in digestive system disorders).

Test after test after test! To rule out everything else...and a smart doctor . It takes years most of the time to get diagnosed. Never give up!!

There is no specific test to diagnose cyclic vomitting syndrome, it is a case of ruling other illnesses out through many differect tests. Once all other possible illnesses have been ruled out and the symptoms match the disease, cyclic vomiting syndrome is diagnosed

It is difficult for the medical professionals to diagnose. Because CVS comes and goes without reason many doctors will diagnose stress, a virus, or some other diseases. Keeping a journal is very helpful but won't necessarily solve the condition. I was diagnosed by my gastroenterologist. None of my other doctors had even heard of it.

I diagnosed myself by finding out about CVS by Googling "vomiting in cycles." I took that information to my primary care doctor and she referred me to a gastroenterologist and a neurologist. Many tests are necessary to rule out other issues and they may vary depending on you and your health. I have no other medical conditions other than a history of migraine. I had an abdominal CT, MRI of my brain, EEG, stomach scope, and gastric emptying study. Every test was perfectly normal. CVS is a neurological condition, not a gastroenterological condition despite the gastro symptoms it causes. Many doctors have never heard of CVS so be prepared to show your doctors some research.

Process of elimination and a great gastroenterologist

Cyclic vomiting syndrome is diagnosed by elimination of other causes as well as the symptoms experienced by the patient.

Endoscopy and colonoscopy, ultrasound and scans. Blood tests. Need to rule out everything first.

It is an diagnosis of excluding all other possibilities

Process of elimination through tests, recognition of symptoms

I’ve heard many different ways that others have been diagnosed. As for myself. I’ve had this sense birth. I was born with my skull cracked open. The crack extended down the back of my skull to where the skull meets the neck, near the Vagal nerve that controls a lot of my digestive system. I’ve also had every kind of CT scan , endoscopy, colonoscopy, X Ray and blood tests, been to GI specialist. My symptoms and the length of time that I have experienced this condition were also taken into account .