Motion Sickness
Overview of Motion Sickness
Kinetosis or better known as motion sickness is also known as Travel Sickness. It is a very common disturbance of the inner ear that is caused by a mismatch between the senses that the ear perceives and the visuals that the eye sees. This disturbance is caused by repeated motions like movement of a car, motion of a plane in turbulent sky or the swell of the sea. Depending on the stimulation, motion sickness can be named as car sickness, air sickness or sea sickness respectively. It can also be simulation sickness or space sickness.
Demography of Motion Sickness
Motion sickness is a common problem. Almost 80% of the general population suffers from it one time in their lives. However, it is observed that people suffering from migraine headaches or Ménière's syndrome are more susceptible to this medical condition.
In 2003, the researchers at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, California, reported that 70% of the cases of severe motion sickness are caused by the abnormalities of the vestibular system. These types of abnormalities are usually found in patients who suffer from migraine attacks or Ménière's disease.
Though motion sickness may occur at any age, it is more common in children over the age of two. It is also observed that motion sickness from cars, elevators, trains, and swings is most common in children. On the other hand, motion sickness from boats and airplanes is common in adults.
However, it should be kept in mind that people who suffer from one kind of motion sickness are not always susceptible to the other types.
Causes of Motion Sickness
Causes of motion sickness
As mentioned above, most cases of motion sickness are due to abnormalities of the vestibular system. Certain repetitive or continuous motions like that experienced in a car, ship, plane or fun ride causes excessive stimulation of the labyrinthine receptors of the inner ear.
Symptoms of Motion Sickness
Symptoms of motion sickness
The symptoms of motion sickness are very apparent. The common symptoms of motion sickness are: a paleness of the skin which is at times is followed by yawning, restlessness and cold sweat.
Medical Treatment of Motion Sickness
Treatment of motion sickness
The most common treatment for motion sickness is Antihistamine medications. Antihistamines are commonly used in the prevention and treatment of nausea, vomiting and dizziness that are caused by motion sickness.
Natural Home Remedies for Motion Sickness
Natural home remedies for motion sickness
An empty stomach usually is more susceptible to motion sickness. So one must carry these easily digestible snacks along and nibble on them every couple of hours. This helps in preventing nausea and vomiting.
Prevention of Motion Sickness
Prevention of motion sickness
Preventing motion sickness is easier than treating it once it has already set in. Some common precautions that can be easily followed during the journey are ,A place should be selected where the motion is least. In case of a car the front seat which looks ahead should be selected.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: July 12, 2011