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Dizziness

motion sickness

Motion Sickness · T75.3

Motion sickness is a condition in which an autonomic response occurs due to a mismatch between visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive information, resulting in nausea, vomiting, pallor, and cold sweat.

AT A GLANCE

At a glance

Motion sickness is caused by a sensory conflict where visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive information do not match each other, resulting in an autonomic response. Nausea, vomiting, paleness, cold sweat, yawning, and drowsiness are typical symptoms. There is a large difference in individual susceptibility, and if you have migraines, your susceptibility is high. Scopolamine and antihistamines are used for prevention, and habituation occurs through repeated exposure. Non-pharmacological methods of fixing the gaze at a distance and maintaining ventilation are also helpful.

Definition and Overview

Motion sickness is an autonomic response that occurs when the sensory information about movement received by the body does not match. It commonly appears in passive movement situations such as cars, ships, airplanes, and amusement rides, and similar symptoms also occur in virtual reality environments.

The ICD-10 code applies T75.3 (exercise sickness).

Motion sickness is more of a normal physiological reaction than a disease, and most people recover once the movement stops.

pathophysiology

The sensory conflict theory is the most widely accepted mechanism for causing motion sickness. Motion sickness occurs when movement information delivered by vision, vestibule (semicircular canal, otoliths), and proprioception do not match each other, or when expectations formed from past experiences are mismatched with actual sensations.

A representative example is reading a book in a cabin or car. The vestibular system detects shaking, but the eyes only see fixed letters, so the two senses collide, making motion sickness worse.

symptoms

Symptoms of motion sickness progress in stages.

Main symptoms:

  • nausea and vomiting
  • facial pallor
  • cold sweating
  • yawning and drowsiness
  • increased salivation
  • Headache and general weakness

Symptoms appear as a complex response of the autonomic nervous system, especially the parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves, and gradually improve after exposure to movement.

risk factors

  • Individual susceptibility to motion sickness: There are significant individual differences due to genetic and constitutional factors.
  • Migraines: If you have a history of migraines, you may be more susceptible to motion sickness.
  • Blocked view: Seats that do not allow you to see out the window or have limited visual information.
  • Poor ventilation and unpleasant odor
  • Age: Susceptibility is high in children and adolescents and low in infancy and the elderly.

Prevention and Treatment

Non-pharmacological methods

Gazing at a distant fixed point or horizon reduces the discrepancy between visual and vestibular information. Using a front seat with an open view, sufficient ventilation, and keeping your head stable are helpful. Avoid reading or staring at the screen while moving.

medication

Scopolamine is an anticholinergic drug that has proven preventive effects and is widely used in patch form. Antihistamines (dimenhydrinate, cinnarizine, etc.) are also used for prevention, but may cause drowsiness. Drugs are effective when administered in advance before symptoms occur.

habituation

If you are repeatedly exposed to the same movement, habituation occurs and the motion sickness response gradually weakens. Training using gradual and repeated exposure is used in people with high susceptibility to motion sickness.

QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

Q01Why does motion sickness occur?

It occurs when the movement seen with the eyes, the movement felt by the vestibular organs in the ears, and the movement felt by the muscles and joints do not match [1][2]. This sensory conflict causes an autonomic response, leading to nausea and vomiting [1]. This is why reading a book in the car makes motion sickness worse.

Q02What is the difference between people who suffer from severe motion sickness and people who do not?

Motion sickness susceptibility varies greatly from person to person [1]. People with migraines tend to have a high susceptibility to motion sickness [2], and sitting in a seat with a blocked view or in a poorly ventilated environment also worsens motion sickness [1].

Q03When should I take motion sickness medication?

Scopolamine and antihistamines have a preventive effect and should be used before moving [1][3]. It becomes less effective after symptoms begin. It is recommended that the scopolamine patch be applied several hours before departure [3].

Q04Is there a way to reduce motion sickness without medication?

It is helpful to look at a fixed point or horizon in the distance, sit in the front seat with an open view, and maintain ventilation [3]. Avoid reading books or looking at your phone in the car as this increases sensory conflict [1].

Q05Does motion sickness go away once you get used to it?

Repeated exposure to the same movement causes habituation and reduces motion sickness [1][3]. An example is the adaptation of sailors and flight attendants. However, new, unfamiliar movements may cause motion sickness again [3].

Q06Could motion sickness be a sign of a dangerous illness?

Most motion sickness is a temporary autonomic response that recovers when movement stops [1]. However, if dizziness persists regardless of movement or is accompanied by rotational vertigo, hearing changes, or neurological symptoms, a specialist evaluation is necessary to differentiate between other vestibular and nervous system diseases.

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This article provides general medical information and does not replace an individual diagnosis or treatment plan. Please seek a medical assessment if symptoms persist.

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