Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome - Treatment

Treatment

There is no known cure for CVS, but there are medications that can be used to treat, intervene in, and prevent attacks. There is a growing body of publications on either individual cases or experiences of cohorts of CVS patients. Treatment is usually on an individual basis, based on trial and error.

The most common therapeutic strategies for those already in an attack are maintenance of salt balance by appropriate intravenous fluids and, in some cases, sedation. Having vomited for a long period prior to attending a hospital, patients are typically severely dehydrated. Abortive therapy has limited success, but for a number of patients potent anti-emetic drugs such as ondansetron (Zofran) or granisetron (Kytril), dronabinol (Marinol), and more recently dextromethorphan may be helpful in either preventing an attack, aborting an attack or reducing the severity of an attack. In some instances, sedatives or painkillers (particularly morphine based) can be helpful. Lifestyle changes may also be recommended, such as extended rest and/or reduction of stress. Because the symptoms of CVS are similar (or perhaps identical) to those of the disease well-identified as "abdominal migraine," treatment of CVS with a regimen of anti-migraine drugs, such as Topirimate and amitryptiline, is showing promise in preventing recurrent attacks.