12782 Motion Sickness

Overview

Motion sickness is a feeling of dizziness, nausea, and discomfort that happens when your senses send mixed signals to your brain. For example, when you are in a moving car, your inner ear feels motion, but your eyes see a still seat or a book. Your brain gets confused and you feel sick.

Yes, motion sickness is very common. Most people have experienced it at least once, especially during long trips or on rough seas.

Anyone can get motion sickness, but it is more common in children between ages 2 and 12, in women, and in people who are pregnant. Some people are just more sensitive to motion than others.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Nausea or feeling like you need to vomit
• Cold sweats or clammy skin
• Pale skin
• Headache or achy feeling
• Feeling tired or weak
• Fast breathing or feeling short of breath
• A general feeling of being unwell

Symptoms in children

• Children may not be able to describe how they feel. They might become pale, fussy, or clingy.
• They may complain of a stomach ache or say they feel 'funny'.
• Some children stop wanting to look out the window and may want to lie down.
• Vomiting may occur without much warning.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may feel dizzy or unsteady rather than sick to their stomach.
• They may have more balance problems after the motion stops.
• They might be less likely to experience severe nausea compared to younger people.

Causes

Main causes

• Confusing signals between your inner ear, your eyes, and the parts of your brain that control balance
• Sitting in a position where your body feels motion but your eyes see little or no movement – like reading in a car or sitting in the middle of a boat
• Certain movements like rocking or swaying, especially at low frequencies
• Stress or feeling anxious about traveling
• Strong smells, heat, or poor ventilation inside a car, boat, or plane

Risk factors

• Being a child between ages 2 and 12
• Being female, especially during pregnancy or menstruation
• Having a family history of motion sickness
• Taking certain medicines that can make symptoms worse (ask your doctor or pharmacist)
• Traveling in bumpy or rough conditions
• Reading, using a phone, or looking at a screen while in a moving vehicle
• Sitting in the back seat or facing backward

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• See a doctor the same day if you have signs of dehydration from repeated vomiting, if dizziness is severe, or if you are unable to keep any fluids down.
• Seek urgent care if motion sickness symptoms happen even without any actual movement – this could be a sign of another problem.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make a routine appointment if you often get motion sickness and it is preventing you from traveling or doing the things you enjoy.
• Talk to your doctor if motion sickness keeps happening in children or affects their daily life.
• Ask your pharmacist for advice before your trip – they can suggest safe and effective options for motion sickness.

Diagnosis

There is no test for motion sickness. A doctor or nurse will listen to your symptoms, ask about when they happen, and rule out other causes. You do not need any special scans or blood tests.

Tests that may be done

• No laboratory tests are needed for motion sickness itself.
• If the doctor suspects another problem – like an inner ear condition or a neurological issue – they may do extra tests, but this is not common.

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will ask questions like: When do you feel sick? Does it only happen in moving vehicles? What makes it better or worse? They may also check your balance and look in your ears to make sure everything is normal.

Treatment

Treatment for motion sickness focuses on preventing symptoms and making your journey more comfortable. There are also medicines that can help prevent or calm the symptoms, but they work best if you take them before you feel sick.

Self-care at home

• Sit in the front seat of a car, near the wings of a plane, or in the middle of a boat where there is less motion.
• Look at a fixed point on the horizon rather than looking down or at nearby objects.
• Keep your head still and support it with a headrest.
• Get fresh air – open a vent or window.
• Close your eyes if you feel uneasy – this can help reduce mixed signals.
• Avoid reading, watching movies, or using a phone while traveling.
• Eat light meals before and during travel – skip heavy, greasy, or spicy foods.
• Drink plenty of water, but avoid fizzy drinks or alcohol.
• Try deep breathing or listening to calm music to help you relax.

Medical treatments

There are several medicines that your pharmacist or doctor can recommend to prevent or reduce motion sickness. Some are taken before traveling, while others are used once symptoms start. They come as pills, chewable tablets, patches, or syrups. Always ask a healthcare professional which medicine is right for you and how to use it, especially for children or if you have other health conditions.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used for motion sickness.

Living with this condition

If you are prone to motion sickness, you may need to plan ahead when traveling. Choose the most stable seat, take breaks if you can, and avoid going on an empty or full stomach. Once you know your triggers, it becomes easier to manage.

Lifestyle tips

• Sit where there is the least motion – front seat of a car, middle of a boat, over the wing on a plane.
• Do not read or look at screens in a moving vehicle.
• Take regular breaks during long drives – get out, walk around, and get some fresh air.
• If you are a passenger, try to keep your eyes on the road ahead.
• Learn to recognise the early signs of motion sickness so you can act early – like taking a break or closing your eyes.

Diet and exercise

Eating light, bland snacks like crackers or bread before and during travel can help. Avoid heavy meals, strong smells, and too much sugar. Staying hydrated is important. Gentle exercise after the journey – like walking – can help your body readjust.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Motion sickness can be distressing, especially if you travel often. Some people feel anxious about getting sick, and that anxiety can actually make symptoms worse. It may help to talk to your doctor or a counsellor if the worry is affecting your life. You can also learn relaxation techniques to stay calm on journeys.

Prevention

Yes, motion sickness can often be prevented or reduced with simple planning. Choose the right seat, look at the horizon, avoid heavy meals, and take motion sickness medicine before you travel if your doctor or pharmacist recommends it.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for motion sickness.

Screening programmes

There is no screening test for motion sickness. You simply learn what triggers it and how to manage it.

Complications

If left untreated

• Motion sickness usually stops when the motion stops, so most people do not have any long-term problems.
• If vomiting is severe and continues for a long time, it can lead to dehydration.
• Feeling very dizzy can make it unsafe to drive or walk until it settles.
• Anxiety about getting motion sickness may make future journeys stressful.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for motion sickness is very good. It is a temporary and manageable condition. With preparation, support, and the right advice from your pharmacist or doctor, most people can travel comfortably and enjoy their journeys.

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