Motion Sickness: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Motion Sickness: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Motion sickness, also known as kinetosis, is a common condition that can occur when a person is exposed to motion, such as when riding in a car, boat, or plane. It is caused by a conflict between the visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive senses, which sends conflicting signals to the brain about the body’s movement.

Causes of Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is caused by a conflict between the visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive senses. The visual sense sends information to the brain about what the eyes are seeing, the vestibular sense sends information about the head’s movement, and the proprioceptive sense sends information about the body’s position in space. When these senses send conflicting information to the brain, it can lead to motion sickness.

Some factors that can increase the risk of motion sickness include:

• Being a child or an adolescent
• Being a woman
• Having a history of motion sickness
• Traveling in a vehicle that is moving in a way that is unfamiliar or unpredictable
• Reading or using electronic devices while traveling
• Having a full stomach
• Being tired or stressed

Symptoms of Motion Sickness

The symptoms of motion sickness can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Sweating
• Cold sweats
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Irritability

Treatments for Motion Sickness

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent or treat motion sickness. Some common treatments include:

• Medications: There are a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications that can be used to prevent or treat motion sickness. These medications work by blocking the neurotransmitters that are responsible for causing motion sickness.

• Ginger: Ginger has been shown to be effective in preventing and treating motion sickness. It can be taken in capsule form, as a tea, or as a candy.

• Acupressure: Acupressure is a technique that involves applying pressure to certain points on the body. There are a number of acupressure points that can be used to relieve motion sickness.

• Behavioral techniques: There are a number of behavioral techniques that can be used to prevent or treat motion sickness. These techniques include:

  • Focusing on a fixed point: Focusing on a fixed point, such as the horizon, can help to reduce the conflict between the visual and vestibular senses.
  • Avoiding reading or using electronic devices: Reading or using electronic devices while traveling can make motion sickness worse.
  • Getting fresh air: Getting fresh air can help to reduce nausea and vomiting.
  • Eating light meals: Eating light meals before traveling can help to reduce nausea and vomiting.

When to See a Doctor

If you have severe motion sickness that does not improve with home treatment, you should see a doctor. Your doctor may recommend a prescription medication or other treatments to help manage your motion sickness.

Conclusion

Motion sickness is a common condition that can be caused by a number of factors. There are a number of things that can be done to prevent or treat motion sickness, including medications, ginger, acupressure, and behavioral techniques. If you have severe motion sickness that does not improve with home treatment, you should see a doctor.