David Levinthal, MD, PhD, Discusses Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome on GI Insights Podcast
October 6, 2025
David Levinthal, MD, PhD, recently joined Peter Buch, MD, FACG, AGAF, FACP, for a ReachMD® GI Insights podcast episode to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) in adults.
CVS is a condition defined by episodic attacks, or bouts, of nausea and vomiting. Diagnostic criteria require at least three attacks in a year. These attacks may last one to two days in mild cases and range from three to seven days in moderate and severe cases. In the weeks or months between attacks, individuals may experience mild nausea or dyspepsia.
Dr. Levinthal discusses the CVS diagnostic workup, its prevalence in the adult population, and common comorbid conditions like migraine, anxiety disorders, and epilepsy. Dr. Levinthal also discusses treatments that can be used to stop, prevent, or reduce the frequency of CVS attacks.
Dr. Levinthal then compares CVS and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). While CVS and CHS share an episodic nature and a similar collection of symptoms, CHS occurs in the context of heavy, frequent cannabinoid use.
Dr. Levinthal stresses that CVS is treatable but often goes underdiagnosed. To improve recognition of CVS, Dr. Levinthal encourages physicians to ask patients presenting with nausea or vomiting about the temporal pattern, or the frequency and duration, of these symptoms.
Dr. Levinthal is the director of the UPMC Neurogastroenterology and Motility Center and associate professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Listen to the full episode.
