Seasickness

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness characterized by a feeling of nausea and, in extreme cases, vertigo experienced after spending time on a craft on water, especially in turbulent conditions. It is typically brought on by the rocking motion of the craft.

Causes

Seasickness is caused by the conflicting signals sent to the brain by the eyes and the inner ear (which senses balance and motion). When the motion sensed by the inner ear is different from the motion visualized by the eyes, the brain receives conflicting signals, which can result in seasickness.

Symptoms

The symptoms of seasickness can range from mild nausea and dizziness to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Other symptoms can include increased salivation, cold sweats, headache, and fatigue.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention methods for seasickness include watching the horizon, staying on deck in the fresh air, and avoiding tasks that involve focusing at close quarters. Over-the-counter and prescription medications are available for seasickness. These include scopolamine (transdermal patches, oral tablets), promethazine (oral tablets, rectal suppositories, injection), cyclizine, and meclizine (oral tablets). Other treatments include acupressure wrist bands and ginger supplements.

See Also

• Motion sickness
• Air sickness
• Space adaptation syndrome

References

Seasickness Resources
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