motionsickness

Motion sickness is a common condition characterized by dizziness, nausea, and sometimes vomiting that occurs when there is a mismatch between visual cues and the body's sense of movement. It commonly arises during travel by car, boat, or airplane, and can also occur during virtual reality experiences.

Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, pallor, cold sweats, increased saliva, and headaches. Symptoms typically begin shortly after motion starts and subside once motion stops, though they can linger for several hours in sensitive individuals or after repeated exposure.

Cause and mechanism: The leading explanation is sensory conflict, where the inner ear senses movement that the eyes do not see or vice versa. This discord triggers autonomic responses that produce nausea. Factors such as fatigue, stress, migraines, or a history of seasickness can increase susceptibility.

Diagnosis: Motion sickness is usually diagnosed based on history and characteristic symptoms. Other causes of dizziness or vomiting should be considered if symptoms are persistent, progressive, or occur without obvious motion.

Management: Preventive measures include avoiding reading while traveling, focusing on the horizon, sitting in a front seat or near a window, ensuring good ventilation, and taking breaks. Ginger, acupressure at the P6 point, and antihistamines such as dimenhydrinate or meclizine can help. A scopolamine patch is available for many travelers. Children should use age-appropriate doses and under guidance; avoid driving after taking medication. Maintain hydration and avoid heavy meals before travel.

Prognosis and related terms: For most people, motion sickness improves with exposure or with age. It can be referred to as kinetosis and may co-occur with migraines. In persistent or severe cases, medical evaluation may be warranted to rule out other vestibular disorders.