Is motion sickness preventable? What works and what doesn't

Motion sickness is no longer just a problem for sailors. People can experience it in cars, trains, planes and even spacecraft, with symptoms sometimes lasting for hours after the movement stops.

The condition often begins with warmth, sweating and dizziness. Headaches and fatigue may follow, then nausea and vomiting. For James Phillips, a vestibular neurophysiologist at the University of Washington, motion sickness was severe enough to end his plan to become a marine biologist after a research expedition. “I just couldn’t tolerate it, so I abandoned that career ambition,” he said.

Scientists do not know exactly why motion causes sickness. One theory focuses on a conflict between the senses. Someone reading in a moving car sees a stationary page, while the inner ear detects acceleration and rotation. Another theory holds that sickness occurs when sensory information does not match what the brain expects to feel.

Children generally appear more susceptible than adults, and research suggests women face a higher risk than men. One study estimated that genes account for 57% to 70% of a person’s susceptibility. People with migraines, particularly vestibular migraines that involve vertigo or dizziness, may also react to milder visual or physical movement.

The article examines ways to prevent or treat motion sickness, including products such as glasses and bracelets and medicines such as over-the-counter antihistamines including Dramamine and Bonine. The supplied text says these medications are effective, but the full guidance is not included.

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I just couldn’t tolerate it, so I abandoned that career ambition.