How is Cyclic vomiting syndrome diagnosed?

See how Cyclic vomiting syndrome is diagnosed. Which specialists are essential to meet, what tests are needed and other useful information for the diagnosis of Cyclic vomiting syndrome

Diagnosis of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) is a rare disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of severe vomiting, often accompanied by nausea, abdominal pain, and other symptoms. Diagnosing CVS can be challenging as it shares similarities with other gastrointestinal disorders. However, there are specific criteria and diagnostic tests that healthcare professionals use to identify and confirm the presence of CVS.

Clinical Evaluation

The first step in diagnosing CVS involves a thorough clinical evaluation by a healthcare provider. The doctor will review the patient's medical history, including the frequency, duration, and characteristics of the vomiting episodes. They will also inquire about any associated symptoms, such as abdominal pain, headache, or dizziness.

Important: It is crucial to rule out other potential causes of recurrent vomiting, such as gastrointestinal obstruction, metabolic disorders, or infections.

Diagnostic Criteria

The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) provides diagnostic criteria for CVS. These criteria help differentiate CVS from other similar conditions. According to the ICHD, the following criteria must be met for a diagnosis of CVS:

At least five separate episodes of vomiting within a year (or at least three episodes within six months if the onset is acute).

Episodes of vomiting lasting from a few hours to several days.

Three or more discrete episodes of vomiting within the first hour.

Normal health between episodes.

Exclusion of other causes, such as gastrointestinal or metabolic disorders.

Medical Tests

While there is no specific test to definitively diagnose CVS, certain medical tests can help rule out other conditions and support the diagnosis. These tests may include:

1. Blood Tests

Blood tests can help identify any underlying metabolic disorders or infections that may be causing the vomiting episodes. These tests may include a complete blood count (CBC), liver function tests, electrolyte levels, and other relevant markers.

2. Urine Tests

Urine tests can provide additional information about the patient's overall health and help rule out urinary tract infections or other urinary-related conditions.

3. Imaging Studies

Imaging studies, such as abdominal ultrasound or CT scan, may be performed to visualize the gastrointestinal tract and rule out any structural abnormalities or obstructions.

4. Gastric Emptying Study

A gastric emptying study measures the rate at which food leaves the stomach. This test can help determine if delayed gastric emptying is contributing to the vomiting episodes.

5. Electroencephalogram (EEG)

In some cases, an EEG may be ordered to evaluate brain activity and rule out any underlying neurological conditions that could be causing the vomiting episodes.

Keeping a Symptom Diary

Since CVS is characterized by recurrent episodes, keeping a detailed symptom diary can be immensely helpful in the diagnostic process. Patients and their caregivers can record the frequency, duration, and severity of vomiting episodes, as well as any associated symptoms or triggers. This information can provide valuable insights to healthcare professionals and aid in the diagnosis and management of CVS.

Consultation with Specialists

Given the complexity of CVS, it may be necessary to consult with various specialists to ensure an accurate diagnosis. These specialists may include gastroenterologists, neurologists, and pediatricians, depending on the age and specific needs of the patient.

Conclusion

Diagnosing Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome involves a comprehensive clinical evaluation, adherence to specific diagnostic criteria, and the exclusion of other potential causes of recurrent vomiting. Medical tests, such as blood tests, imaging studies, and gastric emptying studies, can support the diagnosis by ruling out other conditions. Keeping a symptom diary and consulting with specialists can further aid in the accurate diagnosis and management of CVS.

Diseasemaps

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:

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).

Posted Mar 30, 2017 by CVS Network - Angie 2875

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!!

Posted Jan 20, 2018 by Allison 700

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

Posted Jan 21, 2018 by Laura 3890

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.

Posted Jan 21, 2018 by Janice 900

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.

Posted Feb 19, 2018 by Rachel 4410

Process of elimination and a great gastroenterologist

Posted Feb 17, 2019 by Jody 600

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

Posted May 29, 2019 by Nicci 3070

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

Posted May 30, 2019 by Chloe 3120

It is an diagnosis of excluding all other possibilities

Posted May 30, 2019 by Cassandra Katharina Minerva 4050

Process of elimination through tests, recognition of symptoms

Posted Feb 28, 2020 by KAVD 900

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 .

Posted Jul 11, 2021 by Holly 900

Translated from spanish Improve translation

By the characteristics particular q this presents and studies various normal q rules out the existence of other pathologies.

Posted Nov 3, 2017 by Betty 1700

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A gastronterologo,it is only necessary to rule out other diseases.. .

Posted Nov 4, 2017 by Fanny 2000

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The diagnosis comes with a specialized doctor that knows of the matter. This is done when you have already ruled out other affectations physical, through different studies.

Posted Nov 4, 2017 by Paola 1750