Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is a condition characterized by a feeling of nausea and other discomforts that can occur when there is a disagreement between a person's perceived movement and their vestibular system's sense of movement. It is most commonly experienced when traveling by car, boat, plane, or train.

Causes

Motion sickness is caused by a conflict between the senses. The vestibular system, which is part of the inner ear and is responsible for maintaining balance, senses that the body is moving. However, if the eyes do not perceive this movement, a conflict occurs between the senses, leading to symptoms of motion sickness.

Symptoms

Symptoms of motion sickness can range from mild to severe and can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• A general feeling of discomfort

Prevention and Treatment

There are several ways to prevent and treat motion sickness. These include:

• Looking at the horizon or a distant stationary object
• Avoiding reading or looking at small screens while traveling
• Taking over-the-counter or prescription medications
• Using acupressure wristbands
• Using ginger, which has been shown to reduce symptoms of motion sickness

See Also

• Vertigo
• Sea sickness
• Car sickness
• Air sickness