US experts name ways to prevent motion sickness while traveling
In the United States, specialists in vestibular disorders have named medication-based and behavioral methods that may help prevent motion sickness when traveling by car, train, plane or boat. As Channel NewsAsia, which published material from The New York Times, reports, symptoms can begin within minutes after movement starts and last for hours after it stops. Typical symptoms include feeling hot, sweating, dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea and vomiting.
Why motion sickness occurs
Scientists do not have a definitive answer as to what causes this condition. One theory links it to a conflict between sensory signals: while reading in a car, the eyes see a stationary page, while the inner ear detects acceleration and rotational movement. Another theory explains motion sickness as a mismatch between the sensations the brain expects and the signals it actually receives.
Children are generally more prone to motion sickness than adults, while studies more often point to a higher risk for women. According to one study, genetic factors may determine from 57% to 70% of a person's susceptibility to this condition. Kristen Stinerson, a vestibular neurologist at Stanford Medical School, noted that motion sickness occurs more often in people with migraine, including vestibular migraine.
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Medication and behavioral methods
Over-the-counter antihistamines, including Dramamine and Bonine, can be effective, but they should be taken before movement begins; a possible side effect is drowsiness. A scopolamine patch worn behind the ear helps some people, but may cause dry mouth and is not recommended for children or older adults. James Phillips, a vestibular neurophysiologist at the University of Washington, said that the FDA approved the prescription drug Nereus last year to prevent vomiting caused by motion.
For car passengers, experts advise sitting closer to the center of the cabin and looking at the road, while on a plane they recommend choosing seats closer to the center. On a boat, they recommend staying on deck to see the horizon. Controlled breathing, fresh air, pleasant music, and the scents of rose or lemon can ease symptoms. At the same time, evidence of the effectiveness of ginger and other supplements is mixed, while acupressure bracelets and motion sickness glasses did not outperform placebo in most studies.
For persistent symptoms, a neurology or vestibular rehabilitation specialist may help. Such a specialist can identify movements that trigger symptoms and gradually increase tolerance to motion through controlled habituation.
