Cinetosis

Cinetosis, or motion sickness, is a condition marked by nausea and malaise provoked by movement or by watching movement. It arises when the brain receives conflicting signals about motion from the eyes and the inner ear, a mismatch that affects balance and autonomic function. The condition is common in settings such as cars, boats, airplanes, and simulators, and can occur in otherwise healthy individuals.

Symptoms include dizziness, sweating, pallor, nausea, vomiting, and a general sense of unease. Headache, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort may accompany or follow the primary symptoms. Symptoms typically begin within minutes of exposure to motion and subside when motion stops, but they can recur with continued exposure or after the motion ends.

Cause and risk factors: The leading explanation is sensory conflict between visual input and vestibular signals. Young children tend to be more susceptible, as do people with migraines or a history of motion intolerance. Other factors include fatigue, dehydration, anxiety, and a rapid or irregular motion pattern. There is no single diagnostic test; diagnosis is clinical based on history.

Treatment and prevention: Acute relief is often achieved with antihistamines such as meclizine or dimenhydrinate, and with scopolamine in patch form. Ginger has potential benefit for some individuals. Preventive strategies include choosing seats with the best view of motion, looking at distant objects rather than reading, ensuring fresh air, avoiding heavy meals, and gradually acclimating to motion. If symptoms are frequent or disabling, medical evaluation may be warranted to rule out other vestibular disorders. Most episodes resolve once motion stops, and prognosis is good with avoidance of triggers and symptom management.