MOTION SICKNESS

General Information

DEFINITION--An unpleasant, temporary disturbance that occurs while traveling, characterized by dizziness and stomach upset.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Semicircular canals in the inner ear. These fluid-filled canals maintain balance.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Spinning sensation.
• Weakness and unsteadiness.
• Confusion.
• Yawning.

CAUSES--Motion, especially airplane, boat or car; amusement park ride or swinging. Irregular motion causes fluid changes in the semicircular canals of the inner ear, which transmit signals to the brain's vomiting center.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Don't eat large meals or drink alcohol before and during travel.
• Sit in areas of the airplane (usually over the wings) or boat with the least motion.
• Recline in your seat, if possible.
• Breathe slowly and deeply.
• Avoid areas where others are smoking, if possible.
• On an airplane or bus, turn on the overhead air vent to improve air circulation.
• Don't read.
• Take medication to prevent motion sickness before you travel.
• Some airlines have developed behavior-modification techniques for those who are afraid to fly or have motion sickness. Contact the airline or your travel agent for information.
• Psychological factors contribute to motion sickness. Try to resolve concerns about travel before leaving home. Maintain a positive attitude.
• Consider preventive therapy. One technique involves desensitization (special training for using your eyes that may help avoid the symptoms of motion sickness).

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor, if motion sickness is recurrent and interferes with your life.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care.
• Doctor's treatment, if you have a chronic illness that may be worsened by vomiting.
• Psychotherapy or counseling, if your occupation or lifestyle requires travel and you usually develop motion sickness.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Dehydration from vomiting.
• Falls and injuries from unsteadiness.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Spontaneous recovery when the trip is over or soon thereafter.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Once you have the symptoms, try to rest in a dark room with a cool cloth over the eyes and forehead.
• Allowing yourself to vomit can help the nausea. Don't make yourself vomit.

MEDICATION--

• For minor discomfort, you may use non-prescription drugs, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), before and during travel.
• Your doctor may prescribe scopolamine patches to control symptoms. Remove promptly after travel is completed; long-term use is not recommended.

ACTIVITY--To minimize symptoms during travel, rest in a reclining position and fix your gaze on a distant object.

DIET--Eat lightly or not at all before and during brief trips. For longer trips, sip frequently on beverages--don't take large drinks--to maintain your fluid intake. Avoid alcohol, carbonated drinks and extra-cold beverages.

Call Your Doctor If

You plan to travel and have had disabling motion sickness in the past.