Motion Sickness: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Sateesh Pydi , General Medicine

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Motion sickness is a condition that occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals about movement from the eyes, inner ear, and body. This discrepancy can lead to feelings of nausea, dizziness, and discomfort. The primary impact of motion sickness on health is the disruption it causes to an individual's well-being, resulting in physical discomfort and a decrease in quality of life during travel or activities that involve motion.

What Are the Types of Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness can manifest in various forms, each with its own set of symptoms and triggers. Understanding the different types of motion sickness can help individuals identify and manage their specific condition effectively.

By recognizing the nuances between these variations, individuals can seek appropriate remedies and strategies to alleviate their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.

Car Sickness: Car sickness occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals from the inner ear and eyes while in a moving vehicle, leading to nausea and discomfort.
Sea Sickness: Sea sickness is caused by the body's inability to adjust to the motion of a boat or ship on the water, resulting in symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
Air Sickness: Air sickness, commonly experienced during flights, happens when the inner ear senses movement but the eyes see a stationary environment, causing disorientation and queasiness.
Virtual Reality Sickness: Virtual reality sickness occurs when the brain is unable to reconcile the visual input from a virtual environment with the body's physical lack of movement, leading to symptoms similar to motion sickness.
Space Motion Sickness: Space motion sickness affects astronauts in microgravity environments, where the absence of gravitational cues can disrupt the body's sense of orientation and balance, causing nausea and disorientation.

What are the Symptoms of Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness can cause a range of symptoms that typically affect the inner ear and balance. These symptoms can vary in intensity from person to person and may include feelings of nausea, dizziness, and general discomfort. People experiencing motion sickness may also exhibit symptoms like sweating, pale skin, and fatigue.

The duration and severity of these symptoms can depend on various factors such as the mode of transportation and individual sensitivity.

Nausea
Dizziness
Vomiting
Sweating
Pale skin
Fatigue
Headache

What Causes Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness can be caused by various factors related to sensory input discrepancies. These factors include conflicting signals between the eyes, inner ear, and body movements, leading to feelings of nausea and discomfort. Additionally, certain activities such as reading while in motion or traveling on winding roads can exacerbate symptoms. Anxiety and stress can also play a role in triggering motion sickness.

Traveling by car
Riding on a boat
Flying in an airplane
Riding on amusement park rides
Virtual reality experiences

When Should You See a Doctor for Motion Sickness?

Consult a general physician if motion sickness is severe, occurs frequently, or continues after travel has ended. Medical evaluation can help rule out other balance disorders and identify appropriate treatment options.

Severe or persistent nausea and vomiting
Symptoms lasting after travel ends
Frequent motion sickness affecting daily activities
Difficulty maintaining hydration
Hearing changes or severe dizziness
Symptoms that do not improve with treatment

Early evaluation and treatment can help manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve your quality of life.

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How Is Motion Sickness Diagnosed?

Motion sickness is typically diagnosed based on a person's symptoms and medical history. Healthcare providers may ask about specific triggers and the frequency and severity of symptoms. In some cases, additional tests or examinations may be conducted to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.

If you suspect you have motion sickness, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Clinical evaluation
Symptom assessment
Vestibular function tests
Motion sickness questionnaires
Videooculography
Posturography
Electroencephalography (EEG)
Heart rate variability analysis

How Is Motion Sickness Treated?

Motion sickness can be managed with various treatment options. Non-medical interventions like avoiding triggers and maintaining good posture may help. Over-the-counter medications can also provide relief. In some cases, prescription medications or alternative therapies could be recommended. Consulting a healthcare provider for personalized advice is crucial.

Medications: Overthecounter or prescription drugs like dimenhydrinate can help relieve symptoms of motion sickness by reducing nausea and dizziness.
Ginger: Consuming ginger in various forms such as tea, capsules, or ginger chews can help alleviate motion sickness symptoms due to its natural antinausea properties.
Acupressure bands: Wearing acupressure bands on the wrists can provide relief from motion sickness by applying pressure to specific points that help reduce nausea and vomiting.
Fresh air: Opening windows or stepping outside to get fresh air can help alleviate motion sickness symptoms by providing better ventilation and reducing feelings of nausea.
Relaxation techniques: Practicing deep breathing, listening to calming music, or focusing on a fixed point can help reduce anxiety and motion sickness symptoms by promoting relaxation.

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What Are the Risk Factors for Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness can affect anyone but certain factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing it. These factors are associated with various aspects such as age, genetics, individual susceptibility, and the type of motion experienced. By understanding these risk factors, individuals can better prepare and manage motion sickness when traveling or engaging in activities that trigger it.

Traveling on boats
Traveling on planes
Traveling on trains
Traveling in cars
Amusement park rides
Virtual reality experiences
Reading while in motion
Lack of fresh air
Sitting in the backseat of a vehicle
Anxiety or stress

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What causes motion sickness?

Motion sickness is caused by conflicting signals received by the brain from the inner ear, eyes, and sensory nerves.

2. What are common symptoms of motion sickness?

Common symptoms of motion sickness include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating, and fatigue.

3. Who is more likely to experience motion sickness?

Individuals who are prone to migraines, pregnant women, children, and those with inner ear disorders are more likely to experience motion sickness.

4. How can motion sickness be prevented?

Prevent motion sickness by focusing on a stable point in the distance, sitting in the front seat of a vehicle, avoiding heavy meals before travel, and taking medication like dimenhydrinate or ginger.