There is no direct link between multiple sclerosis (MS) and cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS), but they are both disorders of the central nervous system.

MS is a chronic disorder where the immune system attacks the protective layer of healthy nerve cells in the central nervous system.

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) causes recurring cycles of severe nausea and vomiting.

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There is no specific link between multiple sclerosis (MS) and cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS). They are two distinct conditions with different symptoms and treatments, and no research has indicated a connection between them.

However, both MS and CVS are disorders of the central nervous system, and various central nervous system disorders can cause CVS.

Demyelinating disorders, such as MS, can cause frequent vomiting. These disorders damage the myelin, the protective covering around nerve cells.

Symptoms or complications that may occur with MS can also trigger CVS, such as:

Intractable vomiting, which refers to vomiting that is hard to treat, can be a rare symptom of MS.

Common symptoms of MS include:

CVS causes repeated episodes of severe nausea and vomiting, which may occur suddenly and last for hours or days. Other symptoms may include:

Frequent vomiting may also lead to problems, including:

  • inflammation of the esophagus, or food pipe
  • erosion of tooth enamel
  • dehydration

Between CVS episodes, which could be weeks or months, people will generally have no symptoms.

CVS usually develops in childhood, between the ages of 3 and 7. Symptoms typically resolve in adolescence but may sometimes begin or continue in later life.

People who have had CVS in childhood may also experience migraine attacks in adulthood, although the link between the two conditions is not clear.

To diagnose MS, doctors use a range of tests to rule out other conditions and confirm an MS diagnosis. This may includeTrusted Source:

  • a medical history and physical examination
  • a neurological examination
  • MRI scans of the brain and spinal cord, which may include contrast dye to produce clearer images
  • a lumbar puncture, which takes a sample of cerebrospinal fluid to check for signs of disease
  • evoked potential tests, which measure the electrical activity of the brain in response to sensory stimulation
  • imaging scans of the optic nerve, to check for lesions

CVS can be difficult to diagnose, as symptoms can mimic those of other conditions, such as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.

There is no diagnostic test for CVS, although doctors may carry out medical tests to rule out other conditions.

A doctor may make a CVS diagnosis based on medical history and symptoms using the followingTrusted Source Rome 4 criteria:

  • in the past year, there have been at least three stereotypical vomiting episodes that are acute in onset and last less than 1 week, or
  • two episodes in the past 6 months, with at least 1 week between episodes
  • no vomiting between each episode, although people may experience nausea

Treatments for MS work toTrusted Source suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. Treatments may help with:

  • preventing nerve damage
  • improving recovery after MS exacerbations
  • reducing the severity and frequency of relapses
  • slowing the progression of MS

Treatments for MS may include infusions, oral drugs, or injections with the following medications:

Treatment for CVS involves prevention and improving symptoms during episodes.

Identifying and avoiding triggers is a key part of treating CVS. This may include avoiding certain foods or events. People may try an elimination diet and techniques for managing stress.

Daily amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, may help prevent CVS episodes. In certain cases, doctors might also recommend co-enzyme Q10, a nutritional supplement.

Staying comfortable and resting may help during CVS episodes. Severe vomiting may cause dehydration, so rehydrating with electrolyte drinks is important.

Over-the-counter drugs may also help ease symptoms, such as:

It is important to speak with a doctor before taking medications for CVS with MS to check there are no interactions between drugs or medical conditions.

A 2020 case study reported a 36-year-old female with MS and hard-to-control vomiting. Doctors treated MS with interferon beta-1a, an anti-inflammatory drug that targets the immune system.

The vomiting resolved after a short course of treatment with intravenous (IV) methylprednisolone, which is a steroid. The case study reported that the participant had been in remission since 2016 and had reduced levels of disability.

There is currently no cure for MS, but treatments may reduceTrusted Source the frequency and severity of relapses and slow disease progression.

People may experience severe symptoms during CVS episodes but are likely to be symptom-free between episodes. In many cases, CVS may resolve over time. In some cases, those with the condition may develop migraine.

Can multiple sclerosis cause vomiting?

People with MS may experience indigestion, which may cause vomiting. Indigestion may occur due to MS itself or medications. MS can also cause vertigo, which may, in turn, cause nausea and vomiting.

Vomiting that does not respond to treatment may be a rare symptom of MS.

What are the overlooked symptoms of MS?

Overlooked symptoms of MS may include:

What neurological disorders cause vomiting?

Neurological conditions which may cause vomiting include:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) are two distinct conditions with different symptoms and treatments. There are no clinical studies to indicate a connection between these two conditions.

MS and CVS are disorders of the central nervous system, and MS may cause CVS. Vomiting can also be a symptom of MS due to vertigo, indigestion, or treatments.

CVS may resolve over time, and treatments for MS may help manage symptoms.