Cyclic vomiting syndrome is on the rise in adults – and it may be Migraine related.

A review recently published in Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain discusses treatment of cyclic vomiting syndrome, as well as a surprising rise in adult cases.

The connection between migraine and vomiting and nausea is not news. Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) has also long been connected to migraine – in fact, some have suggested that it may be a subtype of migraine.

But there’s still a lot we don’t know about CVS. In fact, as the Mayo Clinic puts it, “Cyclic vomiting syndrome is characterized by episodes of severe vomiting that have no apparent cause.”

Which is why doctors first need to rule out other conditions when (usually children) develop CVS. For example, a part of the intestine may not be developing in the right position (intestinal malrotation). A swelling of the kidneys (hydronephrosis) might also be a cause. So some tests will be required when someone is diagnosed. Anxiety or panic attacks may also bring on problems, in both adults and children.

CVS in adults may also come from certain diseases related to the gallbladder or liver.

Though the nausea/vomiting connection is the most obvious link to migraine, there are other symptoms that some patients get that make the link even stronger. For example, abdominal pain (abdominal migraine is more common in children, but adults get it as well), dizziness, photophobia (sensitivity to light), and, of course, headache.

Why is CVS on the rise in adults? Increased anxiety? Environmental factors? Dietary problems?

What’s the connection to migraine? Is it a gut-brain issue? Are there genetic factors? Lifestyle commonalities? Once more, we’re not sure.

However, the study recommends that we further our research into the CVS-migraine link, and try to diagnose CVS as early as possible. Early treatment, as with migraine, can lead to better results. And in the case of children, we often have the opportunity to catch both early, and so can avoid many problems later in life.

But doctors and patients need to look carefully for migraine-type symptoms, because migraine treatments may be able to conquer both issues.

Report abstract (and link to full report): Cyclic vomiting syndrome: A narrative review and guide to management