Motion Sickness

UD research vessel on the water

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

  1. Feeling “unwell”

  2. Paleness

  3. Cold sweats

  4. Nausea and/or vomiting

  5. Increased salivation

  6. Frequent yawning

  7. Fatigue

  8. Dizziness

  9. Clammy skin

  10. Headache

  11. Decreased concentration

Additional Information

Symptoms increase with:

  1. Alcohol consumption

  2. Fatty foods

  3. Fatigue

  4. Sleep deprivation

  5. Reading in a moving vehicle

  6. Focusing on nearby objects

Symptoms decrease by:

  1. Looking out to a distant location or the horizon

  2. Asking for seats over the wing if flying (right wing less symptoms than left wing because frequent banking of plane to left)

  3. Using a neck cushion

  4. Resting, remaining still

  5. Avoiding reading

  6. Avoiding alcohol

  7. Staying well hydrated

  8. Wearing dark glasses to decrease visual stimulation

Treatment

Antihistamine – i.e. Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) or Dramamine II (meclizine)

  1. Expect side effect of drowsiness

  2. 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.

  3. Don’t drive.

  4. Prescription medicines available also (see your primary care provider) if you have a history of severe symptoms.

  5. Try with acupuncture wrist bands, which applies pressure that can relieve nausea.