Why do people get CVS?
The exact cause of CVS remains unknown, but there is a possible association with migraines. It is observed that many individuals with CVS also experience migraines, and medications used to treat migraines have shown efficacy in managing CVS symptoms. A significant number of affected individuals have a family history of conditions like migraines in their mothers and maternal relatives, indicating a potential mitochondrial inheritance pattern. Mutations in the mitochondrial DNA, including single base-pair variants and DNA rearrangements, have been linked to these genetic traits.
Some experts believe the following conditions may play a role:
Episodes of vomiting can be triggered by factors such as:
Genetics
While the exact causes of cyclic vomiting syndrome remain uncertain, researchers have proposed several potential factors that could contribute to the disorder. These include alterations in brain function, hormonal imbalances, and gastrointestinal problems. Some experts liken cyclic vomiting syndrome to migraines, suggesting a possible correlation with changes in neural communication between specific areas of the brain. Additionally, individuals with this syndrome often exhibit abnormalities in the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate and digestion. As a result, cyclic vomiting syndrome is often categorized as a type of dysautonomia.
In certain cases, particularly in childhood-onset cases, cyclic vomiting syndrome may be linked to changes in mitochondrial DNA. Mitochondria are cellular organelles that convert food energy into a form usable by cells. While most DNA is contained in the cell nucleus, mitochondria also contain their own small amount of DNA known as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).
Various alterations in mitochondrial DNA have been associated with cyclic vomiting syndrome, ranging from single nucleotide changes to larger mtDNA segment rearrangements. These changes likely impair mitochondrial energy production. Scientists speculate that dysfunctional mitochondria could lead to malfunctioning cells in the autonomic nervous system, affecting digestive processes. However, the precise mechanisms by which altered mitochondrial function triggers symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fatigue, abdominal pain, or migraines in individuals with cyclic vomiting syndrome remain unclear.
The exact cause of CVS remains unknown, but there is a possible association with migraines. It is observed that many individuals with CVS also experience migraines, and medications used to treat migraines have shown efficacy in managing CVS symptoms. A significant number of affected individuals have a family history of conditions like migraines in their mothers and maternal relatives, indicating a potential mitochondrial inheritance pattern. Mutations in the mitochondrial DNA, including single base-pair variants and DNA rearrangements, have been linked to these genetic traits.
Some experts believe the following conditions may play a role:
- problems with nerve signals between the brain and digestive tract
- problems with the way the brain and endocrine system react to stress
- mutations in certain genes that are associated with an increased chance of getting CVS
Episodes of vomiting can be triggered by factors such as:
- emotional stress
- anxiety or panic attacks, especially in adults
- infections, such as colds, flu, or chronic sinusitis
- intense excitement before events such as birthdays, holidays, vacations, and school outings, especially in children
- lack of sleep
- physical exhaustion
- allergies
- temperature extremes of hot or cold
- drinking alcohol
- menstrual periods
- motion sickness
- periods without eating (fasting)
Genetics
While the exact causes of cyclic vomiting syndrome remain uncertain, researchers have proposed several potential factors that could contribute to the disorder. These include alterations in brain function, hormonal imbalances, and gastrointestinal problems. Some experts liken cyclic vomiting syndrome to migraines, suggesting a possible correlation with changes in neural communication between specific areas of the brain. Additionally, individuals with this syndrome often exhibit abnormalities in the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate and digestion. As a result, cyclic vomiting syndrome is often categorized as a type of dysautonomia.
In certain cases, particularly in childhood-onset cases, cyclic vomiting syndrome may be linked to changes in mitochondrial DNA. Mitochondria are cellular organelles that convert food energy into a form usable by cells. While most DNA is contained in the cell nucleus, mitochondria also contain their own small amount of DNA known as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).
Various alterations in mitochondrial DNA have been associated with cyclic vomiting syndrome, ranging from single nucleotide changes to larger mtDNA segment rearrangements. These changes likely impair mitochondrial energy production. Scientists speculate that dysfunctional mitochondria could lead to malfunctioning cells in the autonomic nervous system, affecting digestive processes. However, the precise mechanisms by which altered mitochondrial function triggers symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fatigue, abdominal pain, or migraines in individuals with cyclic vomiting syndrome remain unclear.
