Do you feel dizzy or nauseous when traveling? Let's talk about Motion Sickness!

Have you ever felt dizzy, nauseous, or sick while traveling on a bus, car, or boat? Many people have experienced this. For some, it can be so debilitating that they even dread the trip. So today we are going to talk about Motion Sickness , a condition that affects many people but can be managed if properly understood.

What is Motion Sickness?

Simply put, motion sickness is the discomfort you feel when there is a conflict or contradiction between the messages your eyes, inner ear, and other parts of your body send to your brain. Imagine, when you are riding in a car, your body is in one place, but because the car is moving, you feel like you are moving. This is when this problem arises.

Nowadays, some people experience this discomfort when playing video games or even Virtual Reality (VR) games. We call it Virtual Motion Sickness (VMS) . This can also cause symptoms such as nausea, cold sweats, and headaches . But the good news is that there are ways to prevent this motion sickness and reduce the symptoms if it does occur.

How does motion sickness occur? What happens to the brain?

Let me explain this a little. There are several main parts that help us sense movement in our bodies. These are the eyes, the inner ear, and our muscles and joints . Motion sickness occurs when there is a mismatch between the messages sent from these parts to the brain.

Imagine you are traveling in a car:

• Your eyes see things like trees, poles, and shops on the side of the road moving back. Then your eyes tell your brain, “We are now moving forward at a faster pace.”
• But at the same time, your vestibular system, the part of your inner ear that controls balance, and your muscles and joints, sense that you're sitting in one place. So they tell your brain, "No, we're still in one place."

What happens now? The brain gets two conflicting messages. One says “go,” and the other says “stop.” When the brain can’t understand these two conflicting messages at once, you start to feel nauseous, sweaty, and uncomfortable. It’s like your brain is getting a little confused.

What are the symptoms of motion sickness?

Symptoms of motion sickness can develop gradually or suddenly. The most common symptoms include:

• Feeling dizzy .
• Feeling tired .
• Headache .
• Feeling irritable or irritable .
• Nausea and vomiting . This is the main symptom that most people experience.
• Rapid breathing or feeling like you need to take gulps of air .
• Salivating more than usual.
• Sweating, particularly a cold sweat .

You may experience one or more of these symptoms.

What are the possible situations where motion sickness can occur?

Motion sickness can occur anytime there is a conflict between the messages going from your senses to your brain. Here are a few examples:

• When you go on rides like roller coasters in amusement parks.
• When playing video games or virtual reality (VR) games .
• When traveling in vehicles such as cars, buses, trains, planes, and boats .

Who is more likely to develop motion sickness? (Risk Factors)

Although anyone can develop motion sickness, some people are more likely to develop it.

• Children between the ages of 2 and 12 are more likely to develop motion sickness than adults.
• If someone in your family has motion sickness (family history), you are more likely to develop it too.
• For those with certain inner ear disorders, for example, conditions like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) .
• Women during their menstrual periods .
• For those who have migraine headaches .
• For people with Parkinson's disease .
• During pregnancy : This can be combined with the morning sickness that many pregnant mothers experience.

Can motion sickness cause complications?

Motion sickness is usually not a serious health problem. However, some people may experience persistent nausea and vomiting, even when they are not traveling in vehicles.

Important: Excessive vomiting can lead to dehydration and hypotension . Therefore, it is important to seek medical advice if vomiting cannot be controlled.

How does a doctor diagnose motion sickness?

There are no specific tests to diagnose motion sickness. A doctor can do a physical examination and check your ears. They will also ask you about your symptoms, such as how they started and when they occur most often. A doctor will determine if you have motion sickness based on the information you provide.

What can you do to reduce the symptoms of motion sickness?

Motion sickness may not be completely eliminated once it occurs, but these things can help reduce symptoms and provide relief:

• Get some fresh air: If you're in a car, open the window a little if possible. If you're on a plane, turn the air vent towards you to let in some cool air.
• Change the way you look: If you're reading a book, looking at your phone, or using a tablet, put it aside for a while and look at something in the distance, or at the horizon . This can help reduce discomfort by giving your eyes a consistent message about movement.
• Lean back a little if possible: If possible, lean your seat back a little and close your eyes.
• Drink something: Ginger tea or ginger ale can provide some relief from an upset stomach.
• Suck on something sweet: Some people find relief when they put a peppermint or ginger toffee in their mouth.
• Consider motion sickness glasses or bracelets: Although these haven't been proven to work in large-scale medical studies, some people say that these special glasses and bracelets have reduced their symptoms. You could try them.
• Take a break: If you are a video game or virtual reality (VR) gamer, take a break from the game as soon as you feel nauseous or experience other symptoms of Virtual Motion Sickness (VMS) .

Can motion sickness be prevented?

Motion sickness may not be completely preventable, but a little planning can greatly reduce the occurrence of severe symptoms.

For example, when you travel, choose a seat that allows you to see ahead . No matter how you travel, where you sit is important.

How should you sit when traveling?

• On a boat: Sit in the middle of the boat, on the top deck.
• On a bus: Choose a seat by a window. If possible, in the front.
• In a car: Sit in the front passenger seat.
• On a cruise ship: Choose a cabin near the front or middle of the ship. If possible, choose one on a lower level, closer to the water.
• On an airplane: Choose a seat in the wing section.
• On a train: Choose a seat by a window facing forward.

When you sit this way, the contrast between the movement your eyes see and the movement you feel in your body can be reduced.

What medications are available to prevent motion sickness?

There are several over-the-counter medications you can buy from the pharmacy to prevent motion sickness symptoms:

• Antihistamines: Although these are usually taken for allergies, they can also help prevent motion sickness and reduce symptoms. Dramamine® (dimenhydrinate) is an example of such a medication. But remember, you should use a drowsy antihistamine for this. Nondrowsy types will not help. These should be taken about half an hour before you travel.
• Patches: Scopolamine Skin Patches (e.g., Transderm Scop®) or pills can help prevent nausea and vomiting. This patch should be applied behind the ear at least four hours before traveling. It should be removed after three days and replaced with a new one. This medication can cause dry mouth, and it is only for adults.

Important: It is best to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these medications. Especially if you are taking medication for another condition, or if you are pregnant or nursing a young child, you should always seek medical advice.

Is it good to have an empty stomach before traveling?

Probably not. Nausea can occur even if you don't have much in your stomach. Doing these things before you travel may help:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat a light meal before your trip. Choose foods that are low in fat, starchy, and easy on the stomach. For example, things like bread, rice, and vegetables.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages, as these can increase stomach discomfort.

What can you expect if you have motion sickness?

For most people, motion sickness symptoms go away after a short time after getting off a plane, boat, or car. This is normal.

Do you need to see a doctor?

Motion sickness is not a serious medical problem. However, it is a good idea to see a doctor in the following cases:

• If you have persistent, unrelenting nausea or vomiting .
• If you experience symptoms of motion sickness even when you are not engaged in any physical activity.
• If you are experiencing symptoms of dehydration (e.g. dry mouth, decreased urination, dark urine, extreme fatigue).

Motion sickness can make traveling boring and ruin the fun of playing a video game. However, there are things you can do to prevent it and reduce symptoms when they occur. If you are someone who frequently gets motion sickness, it is worth talking to a doctor to learn about ways to prevent it and what to do when it does occur.

Take-Home Message

• Motion sickness is a condition caused by a conflict between the eyes, inner ear, and messages from the body to the brain.
• Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sweating are the main symptoms.
• Simple things like sitting properly, looking away, and getting fresh air while traveling can provide relief.
• Things like ginger and mint can help.
• There are medications available to prevent and reduce symptoms (on medical advice).
• Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe or persist.

We hope this information is helpful to you. Let us know your experiences and questions. Stay healthy!