Learn About Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome
Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a disorder that causes recurrent episodes of nausea, vomiting, and tiredness (lethargy). This condition is diagnosed most often in young children, but it can affect people of any age.
Although the causes of cyclic vomiting syndrome have yet to be determined, researchers have proposed several factors that may contribute to the disorder. These factors include changes in brain function, hormonal abnormalities, and gastrointestinal problems. Many researchers believe that cyclic vomiting syndrome is a migraine-like condition, which suggests that it is related to changes in signaling between nerve cells (neurons) in certain areas of the brain. Many affected individuals have abnormalities of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. Based on these abnormalities, cyclic vomiting syndrome is often classified as a type of dysautonomia.
The exact prevalence of cyclic vomiting syndrome is unknown; estimates range from 4 to 2,000 per 100,000 children. The condition is diagnosed less frequently in adults, although recent studies suggest that the condition may begin in adulthood as commonly as it begins in childhood.
In most cases of cyclic vomiting syndrome, affected people have no known history of the disorder in their family. However, many affected individuals have a family history of related conditions, such as migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, or depression, in their mothers and other maternal relatives. This family history suggests an inheritance pattern known as maternal inheritance or mitochondrial inheritance, which applies to genes contained in mtDNA. Because egg cells, but not sperm cells, contribute mitochondria to the developing embryo, children can only inherit disorders resulting from mtDNA mutations from their mother. These disorders can appear in every generation of a family and can affect both males and females, but fathers do not pass traits associated with changes in mtDNA to their children.
Osu Internal Medicine LLC
Thangam Venkatesan is a Gastroenterologist in Westerville, Ohio. Dr. Venkatesan is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome. Her top areas of expertise are Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), Morning Sickness, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy. Dr. Venkatesan is currently accepting new patients.
UPMC Digestive Health Care
Dr. David J. Levinthal is a gastroenterologist and is board-certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine. He is director of the Neurogastroenterology & Motility Center and assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. Dr. Levinthal received his doctorate in Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, followed by his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; he completed his residency at the University of Michigan Health System and his gastroenterology fellowship at UPMC. Dr. Levinthal is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), Gastroparesis, Protein Deficiency, and Colonoscopy.
Richard Mccallum is a Gastroenterologist in El Paso, Texas. Dr. Mccallum is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Gastroparesis, Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth, Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.
Summary: This exploratory study will determine if there are differences in cortical excitability between patients suffering from cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) and healthy control subjects, as assessed by a non-invasive method of brain stimulation (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, TMS).
Published Date: March 01, 2014
Published By: National Institutes of Health