Effective Treatments to Alleviate Motion Sickness

By Amy Hoffmann Schenk, RN, BSN, MS Ed, Community Engagement Lead Neuropsychiatric Research Center of SW Florida

Motion sickness, also known as travel sickness, is a common condition that affects many individuals when exposed to certain types of motion. Whether you’re traveling by car, boat, plane, or even on a roller coaster, the uneasy feeling of nausea, dizziness, and discomfort can quickly spoil your journey. According to the CDC, motion sickness happens when the movement you see is different from what your inner ear senses.

Understanding Motion Sickness
As noted above, motion sickness occurs when there is a disconnect between the sensory inputs perceived by the eyes, inner ear, and other motion-sensing body parts. The brain receives conflicting signals about motion and balance, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating, and fatigue. While some people are more prone to motion sickness than others, it can affect anyone, regardless of age or experience. You may not experience motion sickness every time you travel. You may be fine riding in the car, but when you look at your phone or try to read, motion sickness can come back full force.

Over-the-Counter Medications
There are several over-the-counter medications can help manage motion sickness symptoms. Antihistamines, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine (Bonine), are commonly used to alleviate nausea and dizziness. These medications work by blocking specific signals in the brain that trigger motion sickness symptoms. It’s important to follow the recommended dosage instructions and always consult a healthcare professional if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications.

Prescription Medications
For individuals with severe motion sickness or those who frequently travel long distances, prescription medications may be recommended. Scopolamine patches, applied behind the ear, deliver a steady dose of the medication to help prevent motion sickness for several days. Other prescription options include medications like promethazine and ondansetron. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and guidance on prescription medication use. And while some of these approaches may be helpful, unfortunately, not every approach is successful.

Natural Remedies
Many natural remedies can help alleviate motion sickness symptoms. Ginger, in various forms such as capsules, tea, or ginger candy, has shown promising results in reducing nausea and vomiting. Peppermint and chamomile teas are also known for their soothing effects on the stomach. Acupressure wristbands, which apply pressure to specific points on the wrists, have gained popularity and may provide relief for some individuals. Additionally, maintaining good airflow, avoiding strong odors, and focusing on a fixed point in the distance can help reduce the sensations of motion sickness.

Preventive Strategies
Prevention is key in managing motion sickness. Sitting in the front seat of a car or in the middle of a boat can help minimize symptoms by reducing the perception of motion. Avoiding heavy meals or spicy, greasy foods before traveling can also help prevent nausea. It’s important to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol, smoking and excessive caffeine, as they can exacerbate symptoms. Proper ventilation and fresh air circulation can alleviate discomfort, especially in enclosed spaces. Taking regular breaks, focusing on the horizon, and engaging in distractions like listening to music or engaging in conversation can also divert attention from motion-related sensations.

Motion sickness can be a challenging condition to navigate, but there are effective treatments and strategies available to alleviate its symptoms. Over-the-counter and prescription medications, along with natural remedies, can provide relief for different individuals. Additionally, preventive measures such as choosing seating positions, managing diet, and employing various distraction techniques can help minimize motion sickness. By exploring these options and finding what works best for you, you can conquer motion sickness and enjoy your travels with greater comfort and confidence.

Do you (or your family or friends) deal with motion sickness?

You may have tried some of all of the suggested approaches and still may have some symptoms of motion sickness. Here at the Neuropsychiatric Research Center (NPRC) we are offering a new clinical trial focusing on helping people deal with motion sickness effectively.

Here is the link to the study https://mymotionstudy.com/
It is free,. and all you need to do is put in your contact information and a short description of your symptoms. In a day or so, a representative will contact you and ask you a few more questions, which takes about 5 to 10 minutes. This screening call will evaluate your symptoms to see if you potentially qualify for the study. If you do qualify, one of our team at NPRC will be in touch to schedule an in person meeting.

The in-person meetings will likely be less than an hour and visits will continue over the course of the one-year study. There are five (5) total visits. You may be eligible for some compensation for your time and trouble as well. The study is open to individuals between the ages of 18 and 75.

If you have questions please contact NPRC at 239-939-7777. As a reminder, we are offering free memory screens in August. They are being
conducted August 8th and 9th in our office at 14271 Metropolis Avenue.

To schedule your free screening you can register at https://joinaresearchstudy.com/ftmyers-memory-screening-initiative/.

NPCR
You can also contact us at 239 939 7777 for assistance.