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In the United States, who are the best doctors specializing in cyclic vomiting syndrome among adults?
Hello, and thank you for your request for a list of the best physicians in the United States who specialize in treating cyclic vomiting syndrome in adults. The short version is that my colleagues and I identified six physicians who specialize in the treatment of this condition, relying on pre-compiled rankings of "top" physicians who treat cyclic vomiting syndrome, evidence of expertise in the field as a result of favorable patient rankings and academic publications, and affiliation with industry leading organizations. We have also identified one clinic, Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin, that offers specialized treatment centers staffed by teams of gastroenterologists, neurologists, pain management specialists, internists, and psychiatrists. Additionally, we have identified one resource, the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association, which can provide you with a list of suitable providers at your request, based on your geographical location. Below you will find a deep dive of our findings.
METHODOLOGY
In order to gain a broad understanding of cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS), my colleagues and I reviewed academic databases, research publications, government reports and databases, industry reports, and trusted media sites. Our preliminary findings revealed that while this condition is often first suspected by an adult patient's primary care physician, long-term management of the condition in the United States is most commonly provided by a gastroenterologist. However, as ongoing research into the causes of cyclic vomiting syndrome in adults suggests the condition is linked to migraine headaches and mitochondrial disorders, treatment is sometimes managed by neurologists, geneticists, and internal medicine specialists. For these reasons, we focused our research on identifying highly-respected and/or extremely experienced medical providers in the fields of gastroenterology, neurology, genetics, and internal medicine.
With this initial focus, we utilized four research strategies to provide you with a list of the best physicians in the United States treating cyclic vomiting syndrome in adults. First, we identified pre-compiled lists of the "top" or "best" medical providers in the fields of gastroenterology, neurology, genetics, and internal medicine who specialize in the treatment of cyclic vomiting syndrome. While this approach identified two physicians in the United States meeting the above criteria, we decided to conduct additional research to provide you with a more robust list of providers. Second, we identified two physicians currently practicing in the United States who are identified by the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association (CVSA), the preeminent national interest group, as experts in the treatment of adult cyclic vomiting syndrome. Third, we conducted a search in Google Scholar of physicians who have published research in academic journals and databases on the treatment of cyclic vomiting syndrome in adults over the last two years, as publication of academic research suggests these providers have current, expert knowledge of treatment of this condition. Fourth, we also identified well-respected physicians in the field, based on information obtained from message boards and other patient rating websites. For each provider, we have identified his/her name and medical specialty, as well as the phone number and address of his/her medical practice.
If none of these providers meet your needs, we will also provide a link by which you may contact the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association directly, in order to receive an email list of providers in your area who are highly qualified to treat cyclic vomiting syndrome in adults.
OVERVIEW OF Cyclic vomiting syndrome
Our research revealed that cyclic vomiting syndrome, which affects both children and adults, is considered a relatively uncommon disorder, characterized by frequent and recurrent periods of severe nausea and vomiting. The condition affects females more frequently than males, and while children can be diagnosed with the condition as early as three years of age, the average age at diagnosis is five. It is estimated that three out of every 100,000 children in the United States suffer from cyclic vomiting syndrome, but this diagnosis is also becoming more prevalent in adults.
Unfortunately, it is believed that cyclic vomiting syndrome is both under-reported and misdiagnosed, and the cause of cyclic vomiting syndrome remains unknown at present. Experts in the field believe cyclic vomiting syndrome is caused by the interplay of a number of dysfunctional bodily functions, including gastrointestinal motility, central nervous system, autonomic nervous system, hormonal imbalances, and inherited mitochondrial disorders. It is often discussed as a "brain-gut" disorder; the role of migraines in the diagnosis and treatment of cyclic vomiting syndrome is an area of particular concern, and cyclic vomiting syndrome may be referenced interchangeably in academic literature with the term "abdominal migraine." It is believed that 80% of children and one quarter of adults who have been diagnosed with cyclic vomiting syndrome also suffer from migraine headaches.
There is no one diagnostic test for cyclic vomiting syndrome; diagnosis is often suspected by a primary care physician, based on a clinical evaluation, review of characteristics, and a comprehensive review of personal and family medical history. A referral is often made to specialists in the fields of gastroenterology, neurology, and/or internal medicine, as treatment for this condition may include anti-migraine, anti-emetic, anti-nausea, and/or anti-seizure medications, as well as intravenous fluids or medications inhibiting stomach acid production, to prevent, abort, and/or shorten episodes.
PROVIDERS IN THE UNITED STATES
There is no single identified treatment protocol for management of cyclic vomiting syndrome, nor is there consensus in the field that physicians specializing in any one medical field are more likely to be successful than others in long-term management of the condition. For this reason, our research revealed that preeminent physicians in the United States treating this condition have a broad variety of clinical backgrounds. We approached identification of the best doctors in the United States for managing cyclic vomiting syndrome in four ways, which are discussed in more detail below. For each physician identified, we have included his/her name and area of expertise, as well as the phone number and address of his/her medical practice. We also identified one clinic that provides specialized treatment for this condition, but which does not specify the individual physicians who will be working with patients.
"Top" Physicians in the United States
We first attempted to identify any pre-compiled lists of the top physicians in the United States, and we utilized the 2017 Best Doctors in the United States list, which highlights 1,287 physicians across all areas of clinical specialty. Utilizing this list of physicians, we researched each physician specializing in the fields of gastroenterology, neurology, genetics, and/or internal medicine to determine if the treatment of cyclic vomiting syndrome is an area of expertise. We identified two physicians from this list who specialize in the management of cyclic vomiting syndrome in adults.
Dr. Chandra Prakash Gyawali is a gastroenterologist who specializes in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastrointestinal bleeding, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and esophageal motility disorders. Specifically, Dr. Prakash Gyawali is involved in a long-term research project with Dr. Gregory Sayuk to study cyclic vomiting syndrome. Dr. Prakash Gyawali is affiliated with Barnes Jewish Hospital, with two locations at 4921 Parkview Place Suite 8C, Saint Louis, MO, 63111, and also 10 Barnes West Drive, Medical Office Building 2, Suite 200, Saint Louis, MO, 63141. The phone number for both locations is listed as 314-747-2066, but new patients are directed to use 866-892-6903.
As previously mentioned, Dr. Gregory Sayuk is a colleague of Dr. Prakash Gyawali, and Dr. Sayuk is a gastroenterologist who specializes in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid peptic disorders, functional gastrointestinal disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, and various swallowing disorders. Dr. Sayuk is affiliated with Barnes Jewish Hospital and practices at 4921 Parkview Place Suite 8C, Saint Louis, MO, 63110. The phone number is listed as 314-747-2066, but new patients are directed to use 866-892-6903. Dr. Sayuk also practices at Saint Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center,
915 N Grand Blvd, Saint Louis, MO, 63106. The phone number is 800-228-5459.
CVSA Medical Advisers
We also explored the list of medical advisors affiliated with the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association (CVSA), which is the preeminent national interest group for cyclic vomiting syndrome in the United States. The majority of physicians affiliated with this organization specialize in pediatrics, as children are more commonly diagnosed with cyclic vomiting syndrome. However, we identified two physicians who either specialize in, or also treat, adult cyclic vomiting syndrome.
Dr. Richard Boles is a medical adviser affiliated with the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association. He is a medical geneticist, and his research into cyclic vomiting syndrome primarily involves exploring the mitochondrial genetic link to the condition. Although Dr. Boles remains affiliated with Children's Hospital Los Angeles and Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, he currently has a private practice located at 630 S. Raymond Avenue, Unit 310, Pasadena, CA, 91105. The phone number is not provided.
Dr. Thangam Venkatesan is a medical adviser affiliated with the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association. She is an Associate Professor of Medicine, specializing in gastroenterology. She is also the Director of the Cyclic Vomiting Program for Adults at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Froedert Hospital East. The address for this location is 9200 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53226. The phone number is 414-955-6836.
Experts in the Field
Finally, to ensure a robust list of potential providers, we conducted a search in Google Scholar of physicians who have published research in academic journals and databases on the treatment of cyclic vomiting syndrome in adults over the last two years, as academic publications suggest these providers have current, expert knowledge of treatment of this condition. We also identified providers who have received favorable ratings from patients suffering from cyclic vomiting syndrome, as this indicates expertise and success in this field. We identified the following providers as experts in the field of treatment for cyclic vomiting syndrome.
Dr. Henry Parkman is a gastroenterologist affiliated with Temple University School of Medicine, and while he is not a medical adviser for the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association, he is highly rated by patients on the site's message board. Our research indicates he has published a number of academic papers on cyclic vomiting in the last few years, suggesting that this is an area of specialty. He practices at 3401 N Broad St # 1003, Philadelphia, PA, 19140. Dr. Parkman can be reached by phone at 215-707-2000.
Our findings revealed that the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin offers a specialized treatment center for management of cyclic vomiting syndrome, consisting of gastroenterologists, pain management specialists, psychiatrists, internists, and neurologists. Established in 2006, the program is one of the few in the United States that provide treatment specifically to adults, and many of the providers listed have produced academic research on the condition. There are five locations in Wisconsin that provide services, but the primary clinic is located at 9200 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53226. The phone number is 414-805-3666.
Dr. Sonia Friedman, who is a gastroenterologist affiliated with Brigham and Women's Hospital, specializes in the treatment of cyclic vomiting syndrome in adults, and she also received favorable recommendations from the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association message boards. Dr. Friedman can be reached at 45 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115. The phone number is 617-732-5500. While we did not identify any recent academic publications by Dr. Friedman, we relied on the recommendations of cyclic vomiting syndrome patients for inclusion on this list. Dr. Friedman received a rating of 4.92 out of 5, over the course of 114 patient reviews.
ADDITIONAL PROVIDER INFORMATION
As you did not specify your geographical location, it is possible that none of the providers previously identified are within reasonable proximity to you. In that circumstance, it might be beneficial for you to contact the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association directly to request a list of physicians in your area who can diagnose and treat cyclic vomiting syndrome in adults. The Association recommends contacting them through an embedded link on their website and specifying that you would like information on providers in your area who treat this condition in adults.
CONCLUSION
In summary, six physicians who specialize in the treatment of cyclic vomiting syndrome in adults in the United States include Dr. Chandra Prakash Gyawali (gastroenterology), Dr. Gregory Sayuk (gastroenterology), Dr. Richard Boles (medical genetics), Dr. Thangam Venkatesan (gastroenterology), Dr. Henry Parkman (gastroenterology), and Dr. Sonia Friedman (gastroenterology). Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin is one of the preeminent specialized treatment centers in the United States that treats cyclic vomiting syndrome in adults, and it is staffed by a team of gastroenterologists, neurologists, pain management specialists, internists, and psychiatrists. Finally, by request, the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association will provide a list of suitable providers treating cyclic vomiting syndrome in the United States, based on geographical location.
Thank you for your request, and if you would like additional research on this or another topic, please do not hesitate to ask Wonder!