The clinical and therapeutic characteristics of the cyclic vomiting syndrome

Definition: The cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) belongs to the group of functional gastrointestinal diseases, however, there may be motility disturbances in the background. The syndrome is characterised by several, on average 3–4, recurrent vomiting episodes annually, which may last from hours to days, and is followed by symptom-free intervals. The CVS is not directly caused by metabolic or anatomic or other organic diseases. It begins with a characteristic prodromal phase followed by emesis with symptoms similar to encephalopathy. The syndrome mainly affecting children and is triggered by physical or emotional s…