Latest news with #SharisseZeroonian
Economic Times
29-06-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
She vomited 15 times a day. It took doctors 2 years to diagnose her with rare neuroendocrine illness. What is Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome?
Understanding Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) What Triggers CVS? Disruptions in Brain-Gut Communication Dysfunction in the Autonomic Nervous System Connection with Migraines Mitochondrial Dysfunction Common Signs and Symptoms of CVS Intense stomach pain Repeated bouts of vomiting Episodes of diarrhea Lightheadedness or spinning sensations Excessive salivation or spitting Persistent and overwhelming thirst Reduced desire to eat or loss of appetite Skin that appears unusually pale Severe fatigue accompanied by headaches Heightened sensitivity to lights and sounds Mild fever, generally not exceeding 101°F (38.3°C) Dry-heaving or retching—the sensation of vomiting without producing anything. Dealing with stress is difficult enough as it is. If you have to deal with bouts of nausea every time you get the jitters, then life can become a continuous challenge. A woman diagnosed with a rare brain disorder recently revealed she throws up at least 15 times a day whenever she feels anxious or has her an interview with 29-year-old Sharisse Zeroonian said that she would feel absolutely fine one week and end up rushing to the toilet multiple times in the first signs of illness began to surface in 2021, yet it would take two full years before Zeroonian finally received an accurate medical diagnosis. During this time, she went through numerous evaluations—including an endoscopy and a gastric emptying scan, a procedure designed to determine how quickly the stomach processes food. She also underwent extensive blood all these examinations, the results revealed no clear medical issue. Still, Zeroonian found herself repeatedly overwhelmed by persistent vomiting that would last for several days every week. Her condition was so severe that she often needed emergency medical care. However, ER physicians routinely dismissed her symptoms, attributing them to her health deteriorated, Zeroonian shed 16 pounds, was unable to maintain employment, and felt completely drained by the relentless nausea and bouts of vomiting. In a cruel twist, many people admired her thinner appearance, unaware that the weight loss was a visible sign of her declining physical and emotional last, following yet another emergency room visit in 2023, doctors were able to identify the root cause of her suffering—she was diagnosed with cyclic vomiting syndrome Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, often referred to as CVS, is a medical condition characterized by recurrent episodes of intense nausea and vomiting without a known immediate cause, according to data from the Cleveland Clinic. These episodes may persist anywhere from several hours to multiple days. The symptoms can become so severe that individuals may be confined to bed during these episodes. In some cases, emergency medical care or hospitalization is necessary to administer intravenous fluids to combat dehydration. Interestingly, between episodes, individuals typically feel completely healthy and resume their regular activities with no lingering there's no singular cause behind CVS, experts believe it arises due to a mix of physiological and neurological factors. Multiple systems in the body may be involved:The brain and digestive system are closely connected, often referred to as the brain-gut axis . When signals between the brain and gastrointestinal (GI) nerves are misfired or disrupted, it can lead to involuntary vomiting. This dysfunction has led some researchers to categorize CVS as a brain-gut part of the nervous system oversees automatic bodily processes such as heart rate, blood pressure, and the vomiting reflex. When there's a malfunction in this system, it may result in recurrent vomiting episodes without any apparent a strong correlation between CVS and migraines. Up to 80% of children and about 25% of adults diagnosed with CVS also suffer from migraines. These are not just regular headaches — migraines are intense, often accompanied by warning signs that mimic the early sensations of a CVS episode. Additionally, a family history of migraines is common in individuals diagnosed with are cellular structures that generate energy for the body. If the DNA within the mitochondria becomes damaged—due to genetic disorders, infections, or exposure to certain toxins or medications — the cells in the digestive tract may not function properly. Since gut nerves rely heavily on energy, impaired mitochondria can trigger vomiting with CVS often experience a distinct set of physical symptoms, including
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
She vomited 15 times a day. It took doctors 2 years to diagnose her with rare neuroendocrine illness. What is Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome?
Dealing with stress is difficult enough as it is. If you have to deal with bouts of nausea every time you get the jitters, then life can become a continuous challenge. A woman diagnosed with a rare brain disorder recently revealed she throws up at least 15 times a day whenever she feels anxious or has her period. In an interview with , 29-year-old Sharisse Zeroonian said that she would feel absolutely fine one week and end up rushing to the toilet multiple times in the next. The first signs of illness began to surface in 2021, yet it would take two full years before Zeroonian finally received an accurate medical diagnosis. During this time, she went through numerous evaluations—including an endoscopy and a gastric emptying scan, a procedure designed to determine how quickly the stomach processes food. She also underwent extensive blood tests. Despite all these examinations, the results revealed no clear medical issue. Still, Zeroonian found herself repeatedly overwhelmed by persistent vomiting that would last for several days every week. Her condition was so severe that she often needed emergency medical care. However, ER physicians routinely dismissed her symptoms, attributing them to migraines. As her health deteriorated, Zeroonian shed 16 pounds, was unable to maintain employment, and felt completely drained by the relentless nausea and bouts of vomiting. In a cruel twist, many people admired her thinner appearance, unaware that the weight loss was a visible sign of her declining physical and emotional well-being. At last, following yet another emergency room visit in 2023, doctors were able to identify the root cause of her suffering—she was diagnosed with cyclic vomiting syndrome . Understanding Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, often referred to as CVS, is a medical condition characterized by recurrent episodes of intense nausea and vomiting without a known immediate cause, according to data from the Cleveland Clinic. These episodes may persist anywhere from several hours to multiple days. The symptoms can become so severe that individuals may be confined to bed during these episodes. In some cases, emergency medical care or hospitalization is necessary to administer intravenous fluids to combat dehydration. Interestingly, between episodes, individuals typically feel completely healthy and resume their regular activities with no lingering symptoms. What Triggers CVS? While there's no singular cause behind CVS, experts believe it arises due to a mix of physiological and neurological factors. Multiple systems in the body may be involved: Disruptions in Brain-Gut Communication The brain and digestive system are closely connected, often referred to as the brain-gut axis . When signals between the brain and gastrointestinal (GI) nerves are misfired or disrupted, it can lead to involuntary vomiting. This dysfunction has led some researchers to categorize CVS as a brain-gut disorder. Dysfunction in the Autonomic Nervous System This part of the nervous system oversees automatic bodily processes such as heart rate, blood pressure, and the vomiting reflex. When there's a malfunction in this system, it may result in recurrent vomiting episodes without any apparent cause. Connection with Migraines There's a strong correlation between CVS and migraines. Up to 80% of children and about 25% of adults diagnosed with CVS also suffer from migraines. These are not just regular headaches — migraines are intense, often accompanied by warning signs that mimic the early sensations of a CVS episode. Additionally, a family history of migraines is common in individuals diagnosed with CVS. Mitochondrial Dysfunction Mitochondria are cellular structures that generate energy for the body. If the DNA within the mitochondria becomes damaged—due to genetic disorders, infections, or exposure to certain toxins or medications — the cells in the digestive tract may not function properly. Since gut nerves rely heavily on energy, impaired mitochondria can trigger vomiting spells. Common Signs and Symptoms of CVS People with CVS often experience a distinct set of physical symptoms, including Intense stomach pain Repeated bouts of vomiting Episodes of diarrhea Lightheadedness or spinning sensations Excessive salivation or spitting Persistent and overwhelming thirst Reduced desire to eat or loss of appetite Skin that appears unusually pale Severe fatigue accompanied by headaches Heightened sensitivity to lights and sounds Mild fever, generally not exceeding 101°F (38.3°C) Dry-heaving or retching—the sensation of vomiting without producing anything.
News18
28-06-2025
- Health
- News18
‘Vomits 15 Times An Hour': Woman's Rare Brain Disorder Shocks The Internet
Last Updated: The symptoms began in 2021. Despite declining health and repeated hospital stays, doctors initially misdiagnosed her ailment as a migraine disease. A Massachusetts woman has opened up about her years-long battle with a rare condition that causes her to vomit up to 15 times per hour when she encounters stress, anxiety, or premenstrual symptoms episodes. She will feel better after that, but the cycle will resume the following week for days at a time. Sharisse Zeroonian, 29, has been diagnosed with rare cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) that affects 2% of the population and is more prevalent among women, young adults, and people with a personal or familial history of migraines. Sharisse told that she lost weight, had emotional turmoil and lost her job as a result of the recurrent vomiting. She even experienced suicidal thoughts, which, unfortunately, would cause her to vomit more. 'I was feeling like, I don't want to live like this anymore. What kind of quality of life is this?" she told the outlet. Sharisse's symptoms began in 2021. Despite her declining health and repeated hospital stays, doctors initially misdiagnosed her ailment as a migraine disease. Sharisse underwent two years of testing — including numerous blood tests, endoscopy and a gastric emptying study — and multiple ER visits to get a correct diagnosis. She was eventually diagnosed with cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) in 2023. The symptoms of CVS, a chronic gut-brain connection disorder, include frequent vomiting episodes punctuated by periods of normal health. Abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, headache, light sensitivity and dizziness are other symptoms that may appear during a vomiting episode. 'The episodes caused me to feel anxious and even suicidal at times, but it was a Catch-22 situation because the anxious and suicidal thoughts were also causing the episode," Sharisse told Managing symptoms and altering lifestyle choices to avoid situations that can cause vomiting episodes are the mainstays of CVS treatment. Additional therapies include benzodiazepines, which have been demonstrated to reduce anxiety symptoms, migraine medications, and medicinal marijuana, which can reduce stress and nausea. Sharisse still has weekly episodes of vomiting, but they are less severe and last one to two days instead of four or five. Sharisse turned her hardships into inspiration and wrote and directed the semi-autobiographical Nothing Solid, a dark comedy film that she describes as a 'vom-com." 'Making this movie and being open about it has helped because I think I suffered a lot more when I was not open," she said. First Published:
NDTV
28-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
US Woman Vomits Up To 15 Times An Hour, Misdiagnosed For Years Until Rare Illness Found
A woman from Massachusetts has spoken out about her years-long struggle with a rare illness that causes her to vomit up to 15 times per hour during episodes, according to Sharisse Zeroonian, 29, began experiencing intense bouts of vomiting triggered by stress, anxiety, or premenstrual symptoms. These episodes would last for days and then disappear, only to return the following week. Initially, doctors misdiagnosed her condition as a migraine disorder, despite her worsening health and multiple hospital visits. Sharisse told the frequent vomiting led to weight loss, emotional distress, and loss of work. She even faced suicidal thoughts, which ironically could also trigger further vomiting. After two years of medical tests and visits to emergency rooms, she was finally diagnosed in 2023 with Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS), a rare disorder that affects about 2% of people, particularly women and those with a history of migraines. CVS is a chronic gut-brain interaction disorder characterised by repeated vomiting episodes, followed by periods of normal health. Common triggers include stress, menstruation, certain foods, motion sickness, and overexertion. While Sharisse still has episodes every week, treatment using anti-nausea and antipsychotic medications has made them shorter and less severe. In severe cases, she can only consume vitamin-infused water or gummies and avoids going out for fear of public vomiting. Turning her struggles into creativity, Sharisse wrote and directed a semi-autobiographical dark comedy film titled Nothing Solid, which she calls a "vom-com". The film is scheduled for release in August and has helped her cope by bringing awareness to the misunderstood condition.
New York Post
27-06-2025
- Health
- New York Post
I can vomit 15 times an hour — doctors dismissed my unusual illness as a migraine
She's a real barf-icionado. If Sharisse Zeroonian feels stress, anxiety or premenstrual symptoms, it can trigger a multi-day vomiting bout that sees her throwing up as many as 15 times per hour. Afterwards, her symptoms subside, but she returns to retching the following week for days at a time. Advertisement As the exhaustion and nausea from these episodes caused her to lose weight and work opportunities, doctors erroneously diagnosed her condition as migraine disorder. 3 Sharisse Zeroonian was diagnosed with cyclic vomiting syndrome in 2023. @mediterranean_homesick_blues/Instagram 'I was feeling like, I don't want to live like this anymore. What kind of quality of life is this?' Zeroonian, 29, told The Massachusetts native recalled that her vomiting episodes triggered anxiety and suicidal ideation, but in a 'Catch-22,' these thoughts also seemed to bring on the vomiting. Advertisement It took two years, numerous tests and several trips to the ER for Zeroonian to receive a proper diagnosis. In 2023, she was finally diagnosed with cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS). CVS affects 2% of the population and is more common in women, young adults and those with a personal or family history of migraines. According to the Mayo Clinic, CVS is a chronic disorder of the gut-brain interaction. Signs and symptoms include: Advertisement Three or more recurrent episodes of vomiting that start around the same time and last for a similar length of time Varying intervals of decent health without nausea between episodes Intense nausea and sweating before an episode 3 CVS is diagnosed by analyzing the patient's vomiting episodes and ruling out other causes. Dragana Gordic – Other symptoms that can present during a vomiting episode include abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, dizziness and increased sensitivity to light. Advertisement Triggers for CVS attacks include sinus problems, stress or excitement, certain foods and drinks, such as alcohol, caffeine, chocolate and cheese, menstruation, motion sickness, overexertion and overeating. CVS is diagnosed by analyzing the patient's vomiting episodes and ruling out other causes. Patients are commonly misdiagnosed with the stomach flu or food poisoning. Zeroonian said she occasionally experienced digestive issues in childhood, but her symptoms really ramped up in 2021. Initially, Zeroonian felt more ashamed than comforted by her CVS diagnosis. 'It was kind of embarrassing to me at the time,' she told 'The biggest thing was that people wouldn't understand that it's a disorder. They'd just think it was me being overdramatic … (or) using it as an excuse not to do things or to slack off at work.' Treatment for CVS generally involves managing symptoms and implementing lifestyle changes to prevent the events that can trigger vomiting episodes. 3 Zeroonian wrote and directed a semi-autobiographical dark comedy film, 'Nothing Solid,' which she cleverly bills as a 'vom-com.' Sharisse Zeroonian Zeroonian's management plan includes antipsychotic and anti-nausea medication. Advertisement Other treatments include migraine meds, medical marijuana, which can alleviate stress and nausea, and benzodiazepines, which have been shown to lessen symptoms of anxiety. Zeroonian still experiences vomiting episodes every week, but these are milder and briefer, lasting one to two days rather than four or five. However, in peak moments of pain, she can only stand to keep down vitamin-infused water and gummies and is confined to her home for fear of projecting in public. Advertisement Yet, Zeroonian has found a surprising upside to her upchuck episodes. She wrote and directed a semi-autobiographical dark comedy film, titled 'Nothing Solid,' which she cleverly bills as a 'vom-com.' It's due out in August. For Zeroonian, telling her story through film has proved to be a healing art. 'Being open about it and making this movie has helped so much because I think I suffered a lot more when I was not being open,' she said.
