Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association Highlights Advocacy Efforts at Emergency Medical Professionals Conference | |
The Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association (CVSA) exhibited at the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Conference from September 29th to October 2nd, furthering our mission to raise awareness about Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS). For many CVS patients, emergency rooms are likened to a “war zone” due to the lack of familiarity with this complex condition and the stigma they face while seeking care. CVSA's presence at the largest North American emergency medical professionals conference was a crucial step in addressing that stigma and providing essential information to emergency medicine professionals. | |
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Bridging the Gap in Emergency Care
CVS is an episodic condition characterized by recurring bouts of severe vomiting, which often lead to emergency room visits. Unfortunately, many healthcare providers are unfamiliar with CVS, leading to frequent misdiagnoses. Adding to the complexity is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) — a condition tied to chronic cannabis use that presents similarly to CVS and has become more prevalent since the legalization of cannabis. Due to the overlap in symptoms, CVS patients are sometimes mistakenly identified as having CHS, leading to unfair assumptions, delays in care, and increased stigma and patient blaming.
CVSA’s goals at the ACEP conference included:
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Combatting stigma and reducing patient blaming: Increased awareness of CHS has, unfortunately, had a negative impact on CVS patients, even when their medical history does not support the assumption of cannabis use. This unwarranted skepticism often results in delayed care. CVSA emphasized the need for healthcare providers to approach both CVS and CHS patients with compassion, focusing on accurate diagnosis and treatment rather than assumptions.
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Providing essential information and clinical resources to medical professionals: Since 2019, CVSA has distributed the Guidelines on Management of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) in Adults at ACEP. This year, we expanded our efforts by providing new research and resources2 developed in recent years. The recently published American Gastroenterological Association’s (AGA) CVS Treatment Guidelines1 were featured prominently, along with several articles from the 3rd International Symposium on CVS and CHS. While these articles3 are still being finalized for publication, they have been highlighted in recent e-newsletters and will be available on the CVSA website once completed.
References:
1.) AGA Clinical Practice Update on Diagnosis and Management of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: Commentary: https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(24)05025-X/fulltext?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usnews.com%2F
2.) CVS Action Plan: https://www.cvsaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/CVS-Action-Plan.pdf
3.) Acute care of cyclic vomiting syndrome and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in the home and emergency department for: Special supplement/proceedings of 3rd international symposium
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nmo.14901
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In addition to these guidelines and publications, CVSA handed out brochures, pamphlets, and leaflets to ensure that emergency room professionals are equipped with the tools they need to effectively diagnose and manage both adult and pediatric CVS. These resources help healthcare providers offer timely, informed care of CVS and CHS.
One of the most popular handouts since CVSA began attending these conferences in 2019 has been our "CVS Treatment Cheat Sheet." This quick reference guide, based on the 2019 guidelines for diagnosing and treating CVS in adults, provides emergency room staff with an easy-to-use tool for managing CVS episodes effectively. The cheat sheet can be found on page 11 of the article titled "Guidelines on Management of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome in Adults." You can download the CVS ER Protocol here:
Download the CVS ER Protocol
This practical resource has been the most taken handout at ACEP by healthcare professionals commenting on the usefulness and practicality guiding them to better manage and treat acute CVS episodes. This can aid in encouraging and ensuring patients receive the care they need without unnecessary delays or confusion.
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Ongoing Advocacy and Support for CVS and CHS Patients
As part of our ongoing commitment to patient advocacy and medical outreach, CVSA continues to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers. By raising awareness about CVS and supporting medical professionals in recognizing and treating the condition, we aim to improve care for those affected.
Our presence at the ACEP conference reaffirmed our dedication to reducing stigma, combating patient blaming, and providing up-to-date information on the latest research and treatment options. We believe that by continuing this work, we can ensure that patients suffering from CVS or CHS receive the compassionate, timely care they deserve.
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Save the date for June 27th-29th, 2025! | | |
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Get ready to join CVSA for an incredible event in Sacramento, CA.
Stay tuned to the CVSA newsletter and social channels to be the first to receive updates and detailed information by signing up for our eNewsletter. Don't forget to follow us on our social media platforms to stay connected. Exciting plans are underway, and we can't wait to share more information with you soon.
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Get Ready For Giving Tuesday | |
Giving Tuesday is on December 3rd this year. Consider sharing your support for the the CVSA mission to educate, support, provide information, raise awareness, and fund research towards a cure! | |
CVSA Online Support Group Page | | |
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If you're seeking a supportive community where individuals understand the challenges of living with CVS, look no further!
The CVSA online support page can be an ideal platform to connect with others who share similar experiences. Gain access to a wealth of resources and information by joining in today.
You can check it out by clicking on the image or the following link:
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*Any and all purchases made support the CVSA mission to provide information, support, and spread awareness of CVS to help fund research towards a cure. | |
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Can't make the call in October?
Sign-up for the call next call in November!
Sign up for the support calls using the button below.
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Recent Articles Mentioning CVS | |
Help Contribute to the Final Stage for Pediatric Treatment Guidelines Project | |
Your Support Needed!
We’re excited to share the latest updates on our ambitious project to update pediatric treatment guidelines. This year’s long process appears to be in the final processes. The submission is under peer review, and we hope to be completed soon. This initiative is set to revolutionize the diagnosing and treating of young CVS patients, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care.
Why This Matters: The updated guidelines will provide healthcare professionals with the latest research and best practices, directly improving pediatric healthcare. Since the original pediatric guidelines published in 2008. Our goal is to publish these guidelines in 2024, but we need your help to get there.
How You Can Help: We are nearing the finish line, but to ensure we can complete this project with the quality and impact it deserves, we are still in need of funding for this project. Your support is crucial.
Impact of Your Contribution:
- Improved Diagnoses: Accurate and timely identification of pediatric conditions.
- Enhanced Treatments: Access to the most effective treatment protocols for children.
- Better Outcomes: Healthier futures for countless children and peace of mind for their families.
Join Us in Making a Difference: Every donation, big or small, brings us one step closer to completing these vital guidelines.
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Looking for Ways You Can Help? | | |
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Interested in helping others, who have CVS, or just want to help spread awareness of CVS? Consider volunteering and helping out. | |
Thank you to all of whom have set up Meta fundraisers on
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PayPal is now available to take direct donations! Set CVSA as your preferred charity by heading over to your fundraiser hub.
Click on review your impact, and set your preferred fundraiser today!
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Looking for more information on CVS and ways to support CVSA?
Our website has a lot of information including:
Adult Treatment
Guidelines Pediatric Treatment Guidelines
Information for new patients
Option to request a list of providers
Volunteering opportunities
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