Motion sickness, also known as travel sickness, is a condition that occurs when there is a conflict between the sensory inputs received by the brain. It commonly happens during travel, especially when there is a disconnect between what the eyes see, what the inner ear’s balance system senses, and what the body feels. The most common causes of motion sickness include:
- Visual Conflicts: When the eyes perceive different movements from what the body feels, such as looking at a book or a phone while traveling in a car, it can lead to motion sickness.
- Inner Ear Imbalance: The inner ear’s vestibular system helps maintain balance and spatial orientation. In certain situations, such as when on a boat or in an airplane with turbulence, the inner ear senses motion that is not matched by what the eyes see, leading to motion sickness.
- Motion Duration: The longer the exposure to motion without getting accustomed to it, the more likely motion sickness is to occur.
- Individual Susceptibility: Some people are more prone to motion sickness than others due to individual differences in how their brains process sensory information.
Treatment and Prevention:
- Choose the Right Seat: If possible, sit in the front of a vehicle or in a position where you can see the horizon. This can help reduce conflicting sensory inputs.
- Focus on a Fixed Point: During travel, try to focus on a fixed point outside, such as the horizon or a distant landmark.
- Fresh Air: Ensure proper ventilation and fresh air flow to help alleviate symptoms.
- Avoid Reading or Staring at Screens: Avoid activities that may exacerbate the conflict between visual and inner ear inputs, such as reading, using a phone, or watching videos.
- Ginger: Some studies suggest that ginger can help alleviate motion sickness symptoms. You can try consuming ginger in various forms, such as ginger candies, ginger tea, or ginger supplements.
- Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription medications such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine (Bonine) can be effective in preventing or reducing motion sickness symptoms. However, these medications may cause drowsiness as a side effect, so use them with caution.
- Acupressure: Some people find relief from motion sickness by using acupressure wristbands that apply pressure to specific points on the wrist.
If motion sickness becomes a severe or persistent problem that affects your daily life, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and personalized treatment recommendations. They can rule out any underlying conditions and suggest the most suitable approach to managing your motion sickness.