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What are the symptoms of motion sickness?

The most common symptoms of motion sickness are dizziness, sickness and nausea. However, other symptoms may include vomiting, sweating, headache, tiredness and loss of color in the face. In most cases, these symptoms fade after motion has stopped. However, in a small number of cases dizziness and nausea may continue after the journey has ended.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is motion sickness?

Motion sickness describes feelings of dizziness, sickness and nausea that occur while travelling in a moving vehicle, such as a car, boat, airplane or train. It may occur from riding on an amusement park ride, playing video games or watching a 3D movie. The …

What causes motion sickness?

During motion sickness, balance sensors in your inner ear and muscles send signals to the brain that don't match what your eyes are processing. For example, your eyes may see the landscape passing by at high speed, while your balance structures are sensing that …

Who gets motion sickness?

Although anyone can get motion sickness, it is most common in children aged between about 2 and 12 years old. Women also tend to be more commonly affected than men, while infants and toddlers are usually resistant.

How is motion sickness diagnosed?

As motion sickness usually only develops under particular circumstances, many people visit their doctor for advice on preventing motion sickness, rather than while symptoms are occurring. For this reason, your doctor will usually make a diagnosis by asking …

How is motion sickness treated?

Modifying behavior during travel may help to reduce the severity of symptoms. Some options include keeping the head still, focusing on objects in the distance, opening a window, listening to calming music and practicing controlled breathing. Medications may …

Will motion sickness clear on its own?

In most cases, the symptoms of motion sickness will fade after movement has stopped. However, in a small number of cases, dizziness and nausea may continue after the journey has ended. Children who experience motion sickness frequently while they are …

Can motion sickness be prevented?

To prevent motion sickness, it may be useful to sit in the front seat or be the driver when travelling by car. Similarly, sitting on the upper deck of a boat, facing forward on a train or over the wing of a plane may help. Eating and drinking as little as …

What is the outlook for motion sickness?

Although motion sickness may be unpleasant, for most people it usually fades after the movement has stopped. There are also several ways to treat and prevent the condition, involving behavioral modifications, medications, or a combination of both.

Are there any alternative therapies available for motion sickness?

The most well-known alternative therapies for motion sickness are acupressure wrist bands and ginger, often taken either as a biscuit, tea or supplement. These options may provide relief for some, but research into …

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About this article

Author: Karen McCloskey BHSc
First answered: 17 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Votes: 240 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Traveler's diarrhea

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