Periodic Vomiting Syndrome in a Five-Year-Old Child
My son was born in April 2019, and when he was over a year old, he began experiencing vomiting, accompanied by abdominal pain, headaches, and weakness leading to falls.
I recorded the dates of the episodes and observed a 42-day cycle.
We have consulted both a gastroenterologist and a pediatric neurologist, and he is currently taking Domperidone, Neuquinon, and Pelion to manage the symptoms.
I found that others have previously asked Dr.
Liu similar questions online.
I would like to know about their subsequent developments and hope to identify the underlying cause.
A Kuan Mama, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/04/13
Dr. Liu Qingshan reply Rare Disease
Based on your description, your son began experiencing vomiting at over one year old, accompanied by abdominal pain, headaches, and weakness leading to falls.
He is currently taking Domperidone, Neuquinon, and Pelion to manage his symptoms.
The possible causes and recommendations are as follows:
1.
Gastrointestinal issues: It is advisable to conduct food allergy testing and consult a pediatric gastroenterologist for treatment.
2.
Neurological issues: Since your son is experiencing headaches, it is important to assess whether the current treatment is effective for his headaches, as there is a possibility of gastrointestinal-type migraines, which are rare.
Follow-up treatment with a pediatric neurologist is recommended.
3.
Pituitary gland disorders: A brain MRI should be performed in the pediatric neurology department to determine if there is a benign tumor of the pituitary gland.
4.
Genetic disorders: Certain mitochondrial genetic disorders may present similar symptoms, but patients typically exhibit developmental delays and neurological symptoms such as seizures.
It is recommended to visit our hospital's genetic specialty clinic for evaluation.
Reply Date: 2024/04/13
More Info
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) is a condition that can be particularly distressing for both children and their parents. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of severe vomiting that can last for hours or days, interspersed with periods of normal health. In your case, your son has been experiencing these episodes since he was about a year old, accompanied by abdominal pain, headaches, and weakness, with a notable 42-day cycle.
The exact cause of CVS is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to a dysfunction in the brain's regulation of the vomiting reflex. Some studies suggest that it may be linked to migraines, as there is a notable overlap between the two conditions. Children with CVS often have a family history of migraines, and some may experience migraines themselves as they grow older.
In your son's case, the medications he is currently taking—Domperidone, Neuquinon, and Pelion—are aimed at controlling the symptoms. Domperidone is an antiemetic that helps reduce nausea and vomiting, while Neuquinon (likely a reference to a medication that may help with nausea) and Pelion (which may refer to a medication for managing gastrointestinal symptoms) can also be beneficial. It’s crucial to work closely with your healthcare providers to monitor the effectiveness of these treatments and make adjustments as necessary.
Given the cyclical nature of your son's symptoms, it may be helpful to keep a detailed diary of his episodes, noting the frequency, duration, and any potential triggers. Common triggers for CVS can include stress, infections, certain foods, and changes in routine. Identifying these triggers can be instrumental in managing the condition.
In terms of further evaluation, it would be prudent to consider additional assessments to rule out other underlying conditions. For instance, gastrointestinal issues such as food allergies or intolerances could be contributing factors. Consulting with a pediatric gastroenterologist for further evaluation and possibly conducting tests for food allergies might be beneficial.
Additionally, since your son experiences headaches, it may be worthwhile to consult a pediatric neurologist to explore the possibility of migraine-related vomiting. Migraines can sometimes present in children as abdominal pain or vomiting without the classic headache, known as abdominal migraine.
As for the long-term outlook, many children with CVS outgrow the condition as they enter adolescence, but some may continue to experience symptoms into adulthood. Early intervention and management strategies can significantly improve quality of life and reduce the frequency and severity of episodes.
In conclusion, while CVS can be a challenging condition, understanding its nature and working closely with healthcare professionals can lead to effective management. Keeping a symptom diary, identifying triggers, and considering further evaluations are all steps that can help in managing your son's condition. If you have further concerns or if his symptoms change, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for additional support and guidance.
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