Motion sickness is characterized by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting that are caused by repeated or extreme motion. It can affect your sense of balance, equilibrium, and spatial orientation.
Balance and equilibrium are maintained by an interaction among the inner ears, the eyes, pressure receptors on the skin, and motion receptors in the muscles and joints. Motion sickness results when conflicting messages regarding spatial orientation and motion of the body are sent to the central nervous system. For example, reading a book while riding in a car may cause your eyes to send different messages than your ears regarding motion.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for motion sickness include:
The most common symptoms include:
Other symptoms include:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and may perform a physical exam. Motion sickness is a clinical diagnosis based on symptoms that occur during motion.
Symptoms of motion sickness usually subside soon after the motion stops. However, in some people, the symptoms can last a day or more. The main treatment for motion sickness is rest.
Medications may be given rectally or intravenously to help control vomiting. If motion sickness is prolonged, it is important to provide adequate fluids in order to prevent dehydration . These may be given intravenously if necessary.
Strategies to prevent motion sickness include:
Medications that prevent motion sickness should be taken at least one hour before you begin a trip or ride. Side effects that the medications commonly cause often include drowsiness and lack of alertness or trouble concentrating.
Medications include:
Commonly used alternative remedies include:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.aafp.org/
American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery
http://www.entnet.org/
American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Family Physician
http://www.cfpc.ca/cfp/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php/
References:
American Academy of Otolaryngology website. Available at: http://www.entnet.org .
The Merck Manual of Medical Information. 17th ed. Simon and Schuster, Inc, 2000.
National Library of Medicine website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/ .
Last reviewed November 2008 by Marcin Chwistek, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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