Motion Sickness
MOTION SICKNESS
"When what you feel and what you see don't agree."
Motion sickness can occur in anyone traveling on air, water or ground transportation in many parts of the underdeveloped world where travel can be quite rough.
Symptoms
Some Common Symptoms
Feeling “unwell”
Paleness
Cold sweats
Nausea and/or vomiting
Increased salivation
Frequent yawning
Fatigue
Dizziness
Clammy skin
Headache
Decreased concentration
Additional Information
Symptoms increase with:
- Alcohol consumption
- Fatty foods
- Fatigue
- Sleep deprivation
- Reading in a moving vehicle
- Focusing on nearby objects
Symptoms decrease by:
- Looking out to a distant location or the horizon
- Staying near the mid-point position of a ship
- Asking for seats over the wing if flying (right wing less symptoms than left wing because frequent banking of plane to left)
- Using a neck cushion
- Resting, remaining still
- Avoiding reading
- Avoiding alcohol
- Eating low-fat meals
- Staying well hydrated
- Wearing dark glasses to decrease visual stimulation
Treatment
Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine (Dramamine II)
- Take 30 minutes before symptoms so nausea or vomiting doesn’t affect ability to digest, and because Dramamine works best when used before symptoms start.
- Don’t drive.
- Expect drowsiness as a side effect.
- Prescription medicines available also (see your primary care provider) if you have a history of severe symptoms.
- Try with acupuncture wrist bands, which applies pressure that can relieve nausea.