About Motion Sickness
The root causes of motion sickness are not completely understood, but there are several theories.
- One theory suggests that motion sickness occurs due to a mismatch between signals about movement from different parts of the body, such as the inner ears, eyes, muscles, and joints. This sensory conflict can trigger symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and vomiting
- Another theory proposes that motion sickness may be linked to low serotonin levels in the brain.
It is also worth noting that motion sickness and migraines share some similar underlying causes, such as problems with balance (vestibular instability) and sensitivity in the digestive system (gastrointestinal hypersensitivity).
The non-modifiable (things that cannot be changed or controlled) risk factors for motion sickness include:
- Genetic predisposition: Susceptibility to motion sickness may be partly influenced by genetic factors.
- Migraine history: People with a history of migraines may be more prone to experiencing motion sickness.
The modifiable (things that can be influenced or changed) risk factors for motion sickness include:
- Travel conditions: Certain modes of transportation, such as air or sea travel, can increase the risk of motion sickness.
- Visual stimuli: Focusing on a fixed point or looking outside at the horizon can help reduce the risk of motion sickness.
- Positioning: Sitting in a seat that provides a stable view and facing forward can help prevent motion sickness.
- Medications: Some medications can help prevent or alleviate symptoms of motion sickness. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Remember, these are general descriptions and individual experiences may vary. If you are experiencing motion sickness, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
The most common early symptoms of motion sickness include:
- Dizziness
- Pale skin (pallor)
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Increased salivation
As motion sickness progresses or becomes more severe, additional symptoms may occur, such as:
- Vomiting
- Rapid breathing (hyperventilation)
- Headache
It's important to note that the symptoms of motion sickness can vary from person to person and may also depend on the type of motion experienced. For example, amusement park rides, skiing, and virtual reality environments can also induce motion sickness. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's best to consult with your healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management strategies.
The diagnosis of motion sickness is primarily based on clinical evaluation and the history of triggering situations. Here are the common examinations, tests, and procedures used to diagnose motion sickness:
- Psychophysical assessment: Participants rate their nausea symptoms on a scale ranging from zero to ten, with ten being the worst nausea imaginable. This assessment helps quantify the severity of nausea symptoms.
- Motion Sickness Assessment Questionnaire (MSAQ): This questionnaire looks at different aspects of motion sickness, including what causes it, how often it happens, and how people react to it.
To determine the severity of motion sickness, additional examinations and tests may include:
- Neurophysiological responses: Some studies have used methods like electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure brain activity during motion sickness. However, these methods can be complex and require expensive equipment.
- Infrared webcam measurement: Pupillary rhythms or changes in the size of the pupils, can be measured using an infrared webcam. This isa non-contact way to check for signs of motion sickness. This approach is simple, low-cost, and does not require sensor attachment.
It's important to note that no laboratory testing is usually necessary for diagnosing motion sickness. The diagnosis relies mainly on clinical evaluation and typical symptoms such as nausea, headache, blurred vision, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. If you suspect you have motion sickness or want a more accurate assessment of your condition, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your individual situation.
The goals of treatment for motion sickness are to alleviate symptoms and prevent future episodes. Here are the different types of treatments and how they work to achieve these goals:
- Medication types:
- Antihistamines: These medications, such as dimenhydrinate or diphenhydramine, are commonly used to treat motion sickness. They work by blocking histamine receptors in the brain, reducing nausea and vomiting.
- Anticholinergics: Scopolamine is an example of an anticholinergic medication used for motion sickness. It can be given orally or in a patch behind the ear. It works by blocking certain receptors in the brain, reducing symptoms of nausea and dizziness.
- Therapies:
- Cognitive interventions: Providing information ahead of time about expected motion, like instructions or a clear view of the road, can help the brain adjust to the movement. This reduces confusion between what the body feels and sees, which can lessen motion sickness symptoms.
- Health behavior changes:
- Visual focus: Looking out at the horizon or focusing on a fixed point can help relieve motion sickness symptoms by providing a stable visual reference.
- Other treatments:
- Complementary approaches: Some complementary approaches like acupressure, magnets, ginger, pyridoxine (Vitamin B6), and homeopathic remedies have been marketed for motion sickness but lack strong evidence supporting their effectiveness.
It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or supplement. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual situation.
Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.