Osmosis video - Cyclic vomiting syndrome (NORD)

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a disorder characterized by recurrent, sudden episodes of severe nausea and vomiting. These episodes can last for hours, days, or weeks and are not associated with other illnesses or injuries. Between episodes, people with CVS feel entirely normal.

The cause of CVS is unknown, but it may be related to problems with the autonomic nervous system or changes in the levels of certain chemicals in the blood. Some people with CVS have a family history of the condition. CVS usually starts in childhood, mainly affecting children between the age of 3 to 7 years. It often resolves by adolescents, but it may persist in some individuals until adulthood.