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The Beyond Pain Foundation

Migraine types we support

Migraine guide

Cyclical vomiting syndrome

Cyclical vomiting syndrome causes repeated episodes of intense sickness and vomiting, with completely normal periods in between. It's closely related to migraine and affects both children and adults.

Episodes last
1 hour to 10 days
Gap between episodes
At least a week
Pattern
Often regular and predictable
Main risk
Dehydration

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Medicines and treatments must be prescribed or recommended for you by a doctor or pharmacist. We do not give doses here.

Related guides: Abdominal migraine.

What it is

Episodes of severe nausea and vomiting come and go, often at a similar time of day, week or month. Between episodes, people feel completely well. It is managed in a similar way to migraine.

Symptoms

  • Intense nausea and repeated vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Looking pale and feeling exhausted
  • Sensitivity to light

Triggers include poor sleep, travel, hunger and bright light.

Treatment

Anti-sickness medicine, rest and sleep, regular meals and relaxation can all help. Some people take a preventive medicine, such as an antidepressant, to make episodes less frequent. Replacing fluids during and after an episode is important.

When to get urgent help

Call 999 if you have

  • vomiting blood
  • very severe stomach pain
  • confusion or extreme drowsiness

Call NHS 111 if

  • you can't keep any fluids down
  • you have signs of dehydration, such as passing very little urine or feeling faint
  • an episode lasts longer than usual

See your GP if

  • episodes are frequent
  • episodes stop you working

Work and your workspace

Migraine can count as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 (the Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland) if it has a substantial, long-term effect on your everyday life. Conditions that come and go still count, and the law looks at how you would be without treatment. If it applies, your employer must make reasonable adjustments.

Adjustments that often help

  • Working from home during and after episodes
  • Flexible hours
  • Flexibility over absence
  • Time off for appointments

A migraine-friendly workspace

  • A chair with good lumbar and neck support
  • A desk big enough to put your screen at arm's length
  • Screen raised so the top is at eye level
  • A flicker-free monitor with an anti-glare or blue-light filter
  • Lighting without flicker or glare, and blinds to control daylight

Access to Work can pay towards equipment and support. Acas and Citizens Advice give free advice on your rights.

How The Beyond Pain Foundation can help

If NHS waits are too long, or the help you need is not available to you on the NHS, we may be able to fund:

  • A private specialist appointment to confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment
  • Home-working equipment so you can work flexibly between episodes

Every award depends on your situation and the funds we have that month. A letter from your doctor, a headache diary and a written quote all help your application.

Apply for funding Check the requirements

Support and sources

The Migraine Trust

Information and support service

Information on every type of migraine, a free information and support service, and advice on treatment and work.

migrainetrust.org

National Migraine Centre

Charity headache clinic

Specialist appointments in person and online, including routine appointments for a voluntary donation, plus free factsheets.

nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk
Sources for this guide

Written in our own words from the sources above. Last reviewed: October 2026. Figures can differ between sources; where they do, we give the range.