Motion sickness

Overview

Motion sickness is a feeling of nausea, dizziness, and discomfort that happens when your senses send mixed signals to your brain. It often occurs while traveling in a car, boat, plane, or train.

Yes, motion sickness is very common. Most people experience it at some point, especially during bumpy rides or rough seas.

It can affect anyone, but it is more common in children aged 2 to 12, pregnant women, and people who have migraines or inner ear problems.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Nausea or feeling sick to your stomach
• Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
• Sweating and clammy skin
• Headache
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Vomiting

Symptoms in children

• Pale or flushed skin
• Fussiness or crying
• Yawning a lot
• Loss of appetite
• Complaints of stomach ache
• Not wanting to play or engage

Symptoms in older adults

• Dizziness that may be more intense
• Balance problems or feeling unsteady
• Nausea but less vomiting
• Headache
• Feeling faint

Causes

Main causes

• Conflicting signals sent to the brain from your eyes, inner ear (balance system), and body sensors.
• Repeated motion like rocking, swaying, or turning that your brain is not used to.
• Visual cues that do not match what you feel (for example, reading in a moving car while your body feels the turns).

Risk factors

• Being a child between 2 and 12 years old
• Being female, especially during menstruation or pregnancy
• Having a history of migraines or inner ear disorders
• Traveling in rough conditions (e.g., bumpy roads, turbulent flights, rough seas)
• Lack of fresh air or strong odors in the vehicle

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have severe headache with neck stiffness and fever
• If you are vomiting so much that you cannot keep any fluids down
• If you faint or have seizures

Book a routine appointment if:

• If motion sickness happens often and affects your daily life
• If home remedies do not help and you want to discuss medications
• If you have other symptoms like hearing loss or ringing in the ears

Diagnosis

There is no specific test for motion sickness. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and when they happen. They may do a physical exam to rule out other causes.

Tests that may be done

• Your doctor may check your ears, eyes, and balance.
• If needed, they might refer you to a specialist for tests like a hearing test or a balance test.

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will ask about your travel history and what seems to trigger the sickness. They may give you advice on prevention and self-care. Most people do not need any special tests.

Treatment

Treatment for motion sickness focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing future episodes. Mild cases often respond to simple home remedies. For more severe cases, your doctor can recommend treatments that help calm the confusion in your senses.

Self-care at home

• Sit in the front seat of a car or near the wings on a plane where motion is less.
• Focus on a stable point on the horizon, not on moving objects inside.
• Close your eyes or lie down with your head still.
• Get fresh air by opening a window or going on deck.
• Avoid reading, using a phone, or watching screens during travel.
• Eat small, light meals before and during travel. Avoid greasy or spicy foods.

Medical treatments

Your doctor or pharmacist can advise on medicines that help reduce nausea and dizziness. These are usually taken before travel and can come as tablets, patches, or injections. Some cause drowsiness, so ask about side effects. Always follow the instructions and check with a healthcare professional before taking any medicine, especially for children or if you have other health conditions.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not needed for motion sickness.

Living with this condition

Most people only have motion sickness during travel, so it does not affect daily life. If you experience it often, plan ahead with prevention strategies and carry items like ginger candies or wristbands that some find helpful.

Lifestyle tips

• Plan your travel to avoid rough conditions if possible.
• Choose seats that have the least motion.
• Take breaks during long trips to get out and walk.
• Practice deep breathing or listening to calm music to reduce anxiety.

Diet and exercise

A light meal before travel can help. Some people find ginger or peppermint tea soothing. Stay hydrated, but avoid large amounts of liquid at once. Regular exercise may improve your overall balance and reduce susceptibility over time.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

For some people, the fear of getting sick can cause anxiety about travel. This can make motion sickness worse. If this happens, talk to your doctor. Counseling or relaxation techniques may help.

Prevention

You can often prevent motion sickness by planning ahead. Choose the right seat, avoid heavy meals before travel, and use strategies like focusing on the horizon. Some people benefit from taking preventive medication before the trip.

Complications

If left untreated

• Severe vomiting leading to dehydration
• Anxiety about future travel (travel phobia)
• Rarely, falls or injury from dizziness

Long-term outlook

Motion sickness is not serious and almost always goes away once the motion stops. With simple strategies and sometimes medication, most people can travel comfortably. Your body may also become used to certain motions over time.

Find support

Local organisations

• NHS · UK

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.