Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is a common problem that occurs when the body receives conflicting signals from the senses, including the inner ear, eyes, and nerves, which can cause a person to feel dizzy, nauseous, or disoriented.

Causes of Motion Sickness

• Movement of a vehicle, such as a car, boat, plane, or train
• Conflict between what the body is feeling and what the eyes are seeing
• Inner ear problems, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
• Migraines or other neurological disorders
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menstruation
• Certain medications, such as antibiotics or sedatives

Symptoms of Motion Sickness

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Pale skin
• Cold sweats
• Increased salivation

Types of Motion Sickness

• Car sickness: occurs when a person is traveling by car, especially if they are in the back seat or reading during the trip
• Air sickness: occurs when a person is traveling by plane, especially during takeoff and landing
• Sea sickness: occurs when a person is traveling by boat, especially in rough waters
• Virtual reality sickness: occurs when a person is using virtual reality technology and experiences symptoms similar to motion sickness

Treatment and Prevention of Motion Sickness

• Over-the-counter medications, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine (Bonine)
• Patch medications, such as scopolamine (Transderm Scop)
• Natural remedies, such as ginger or acupressure
• Avoiding heavy meals or greasy foods before traveling
• Keeping the head still and focusing on the horizon
• Taking breaks during long trips to get fresh air and stretch

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Vomiting that lasts for more than a few hours
• Severe headache or dizziness
• Fever over 101.5°F (38.6°C)
• Signs of dehydration, such as excessive thirst or dark urine