Motion sickness is nausea triggered by movement, and it can happen along with vomiting, dizziness, cold sweats, and paleness. Some people also feel unsteady, lose their balance, or have trouble walking.
Motion sickness most often occurs during travel by car, airplane, or boat. It is more common in younger people, during pregnancy, and in those on their period.
Treatment is guided by an otolaryngologist (ENT), pediatrician, or primary care provider. It may include prevention strategies and medications such as antihistamines and anticholinergics.
Common symptoms
The main symptoms of motion sickness are:
-
Nausea or vomiting;
-
Dizziness;
-
Cold sweats and paleness;
-
Sleepiness or headache;
-
Increased saliva production;
-
Fatigue, excessive tiredness, or exhaustion;
-
Loss of appetite.
In general, symptoms of motion sickness start gradually soon after a person becomes aware of movement, and they often improve after vomiting.
Symptoms typically resolve completely within 24 hours after the motion stops. However, pronounced sleepiness and fatigue can last for a few days, which is known as sopite syndrome.
In more severe cases, difficulty walking, loss of balance, or vomiting that does not improve may also occur.
Confirming a diagnosis
Motion sickness is diagnosed by a primary care provider, ENT, or pediatrician based on symptoms, health history, and a physical exam.
In most cases, no additional tests are needed. However, a doctor may request CT angiography to rule out conditions with similar symptoms, such as basilar artery occlusion.
Possible causes
The main causes of motion sickness are:
-
Traveling by car, airplane, or boat;
-
Riding an elevator;
-
Using virtual reality (VR) glasses/headsets;
-
Hormonal changes during pregnancy or the menstrual cycle;
-
Vertigo, Ménière’s disease, or migraine.
Motion sickness is also more likely to occur in children and in women, as well as in younger people or those with good physical conditioning.
Motion sickness happens when the body has difficulty adapting to movement. It usually occurs when signals the brain receives from the eyes and inner ear do not match the movement sensed by the body, which leads to symptoms.
Treatment options
Motion sickness treatment should be guided by an ENT, pediatrician, or primary care provider to help prevent or relieve symptoms.
A doctor may recommend anticholinergic medicines, such as scopolamine, or antihistamines, such as dimenhydrinate, cinnarizine (not FDA-approved or available in the United States), meclizine, or promethazine.
To help relieve nausea and vomiting, a doctor may also recommend antiemetics, such as ondansetron.
In general, the medication is taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before travel or when symptoms start to appear.
Can motion sickness be cured?
Motion sickness can be cured in some cases when the body becomes accustomed to the movements that trigger symptoms.
How to prevent
To help prevent motion sickness, it is important to:
-
Be well rested before traveling;
-
Sit in the front seat or near a window and look at the horizon;
-
Avoid reading during travel or using devices such as a cellphone, computer, or tablet;
-
Use pillows that support the head well if sleeping during travel;
-
Avoid smoking;
-
Avoid heavy meals before traveling;
-
Avoid eating very acidic or fatty foods, such as tuna, salami, and cheese, before traveling;
-
Avoid coffee, alcohol, or large amounts of liquids before traveling;
-
Open the window slightly to breathe fresh air whenever possible;
-
Avoid strong smells, such as cigarette smoke and perfumes, for example.
In addition, a doctor may recommend home options to complement treatment, such as ginger tea or peppermint tea.
Possible complications
Motion sickness can lead to complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or esophageal varices, mainly related to vomiting.
For this reason, it is recommended to see an ENT, pediatrician, or primary care provider whenever motion sickness symptoms occur, so a diagnosis can be made and the most appropriate treatment can be recommended to help avoid complications.