Motion Sickness

Motion sickness, also known as kinetosis, is the sensation of dizziness caused by movement, usually occurring during travel by car, boat, train, or airplane, and is due to continuous acceleration and deceleration. It is a very common condition that, in healthy individuals, is not serious but can be highly uncomfortable. Motion sickness can affect anyone, although it is more common in children between the ages of two and twelve, pregnant women, and the elderly.

Symptoms

The characteristic symptoms of motion sickness typically appear suddenly and gradually subside once movement stops or the vehicle is exited. The most common symptoms include:

• Yawning and drowsiness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Paleness.
• Cold sweats.
• Salivation (as a precursor to vomiting).
• Headache.
• General discomfort.
• Fatigue.
• Aerophagia (swallowing air, leading to burping).
• Hyperventilation.
• Fainting.

Causes

Motion sickness is caused by overstimulation of the vestibular system, located in the inner ear, which is responsible for balance and spatial control. During travel, there is a discrepancy between the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory patterns experienced. Under normal circumstances, the brain perceives movement through signals from the inner ear, eyes, muscles, and joints. During travel, these signals do not align, resulting in dizziness.

Risk Factors

The risk of experiencing motion sickness increases under the following conditions:

• Curvy roads during car travel.
• Turbulence during a flight.
• Rough seas while traveling by boat.
• Poor ventilation.
• Excessive heat.
• Presence of smoke, carbon monoxide, or vapor.
• History of migraines.
• Pregnancy.
• History of labyrinthitis, an inner ear disorder.
• Fear or anxiety about traveling.
• Reading while traveling.
• Consuming large meals or alcohol before travel.

Complications

On long journeys or in individuals who experience severe dizziness, motion sickness can lead to dehydration and low blood pressure due to vomiting, which may cause fainting.

In some cases, severe motion sickness can worsen existing conditions:

• Nausea and vomiting can exacerbate gastrointestinal conditions such as acid reflux or ulcers and make breathing more difficult in individuals with chronic lung diseases like asthma.
• The physical stress and discomfort of motion sickness can intensify symptoms of neurological disorders such as epilepsy or migraines.
• Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances resulting from vomiting can be particularly problematic for individuals with kidney disease or diabetes.

Prevention

Several measures can be taken before and during travel to prevent motion sickness:

• Avoid heavy and greasy meals before traveling.
• Whenever possible, position yourself in the least affected areas: the front seat of a car, the aisle seat near the wings on an airplane, or the forward or middle deck of a boat.
• Avoid traveling backward.
• Try to keep your gaze fixed on the horizon or out the window.
• Close your eyes or try to sleep during the trip.
• Avoid reading or looking at maps or mobile phones.
• Maintain adequate ventilation by opening a window or using air conditioning.
• If possible, take breaks during the journey to get fresh air and walk around.

What Doctor Treats Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness is evaluated and treated in internal medicine, family medicine, otolaryngology, and aerospace medicine units.