Motion sickness is a set of symptoms that occur when traveling by different modes of transport. Most often, driving a car causes symptoms of motion sickness, but traveling by plane, ship, or train can also cause unpleasant discomfort. The symptom complex includes, among other things, dizziness and nausea. In addition to this, there may also be accompanying symptoms that cause pain. The symptoms usually subside some time after stopping the vehicle, but in rare cases, they persist longer.
The activation of symptoms has to do with centers in the brain that analyze changes in body position. There are different theories on the subject, but many experts favor the hypothesis that abnormal perception of stimuli is the direct cause of motion sickness. Some factors increase the likelihood of its occurrence. Symptoms of this type are most common in children. In some, motion sickness can cause lifelong problems. Symptoms of the disease may also appear or worsen when co-morbid with other diseases. It is, therefore, worth knowing preventive methods to make travel more accessible and more enjoyable.
On the other hand, if behavioral methods do not work, another way to treat motion sickness is to take medication to suppress the symptoms. Equally important is adequate preparation for travel. Please find out more about motion sickness and how to manage it.
Humans have known motion sickness for hundreds of years. It encompasses the malaise triggered by moving around using various modes of transport. Symptoms can be triggered by traveling by land, sea, or air, moving in a lift, on a swing, or using other types of entertainment such as a rollercoaster or carousel. Rarely, symptoms are triggered by riding a horse. Another name for this condition is kinetosis
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The condition requires movement or the sensation of moving to cause discomfort. However, the perception of movement may be sufficient, for example, when watching movement in virtual reality. Such cases are sometimes referred to as pseudokinetosis.
Kinetosis is a common condition that almost everyone will have experienced at least once. The most well-known version of the disease is seasickness, which refers to traveling in ships on the water. This type of travel often causes unpleasant symptoms, even in people who have not previously experienced symptoms of motion sickness.
Kinetosis can, therefore, affect any person. This polysymptomatic syndrome results from the relationship between stimulus and susceptibility to the stimulus. Various theories explain the mechanism of motion sickness. The physiological processes underlying this disease are complex and must be fully understood.
The relationship between sensory stimuli and the internal vagus unites the theories of the causes of motion sickness. The human body can analyze the environment with stimuli. Whether you are moving or standing is interpreted by, among other things, your visual stimuli. On the other hand, the vagus is a unique organ in the inner ear responsible for hearing, balance, and coordination of body movements. The vagus system can be divided into different areas, which include the central part and the vestibular nuclei in the brainstem, which also affects the balance system.
The study also noted that even blind people can suffer from kinetosis. The experts explain that provocative physical movement triggers the Coriolis effect, so blind people and people with closed eyes can experience unpleasant motion sickness reactions.
Theories of the causes of kinetosis include:
The best-known hypothesis for the mechanism of motion sickness is sensory conflict, or the interaction between conflicting stimuli. During locomotion, stimuli from the sensory organs reach the brain. The stimuli are contradictory, and the internal misperceiver analyses change in position with too much accuracy. Visual stimuli perceive rapid movement, even though we are sitting still (for example, in a car), or conversely, visual stimuli see no change in movement while the body is moving in a specific direction (for example, on a ship). Such a contradiction leads to unpleasant symptoms.
The toxin theory has the same basis as the sensory conflict theory. The incompatibility between incoming stimuli and the reception of the vagus causes problems in the nervous system's autonomic signals. Consequently, the nervous system also misinterprets the situation, believing it to be toxin poisoning. This misinterpretation results in unpleasant symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, as the body aims to rid itself of the presumed toxin.
Another theory explaining the mechanism of motion sickness is based on evolutionary science. The hypothesis is that vomiting is the body's natural defense against dangerous substances. The contents of the stomach are expelled from the body as a result of muscle contractions. Nausea and vomiting are independent of a person's will and may be a motor response that induces abdominal muscle contractions. Symptoms from the parasympathetic nervous system also accompany it. In contrast, activation of the vestibular nucleus is the leading cause of nausea and vomiting in kinetosis.
Who is most commonly affected by kinetosis? Some people are more prone to the possibility of unpleasant symptoms when traveling. It is a good idea to be mindful of this and take precautions against travel or other experiences that trigger motion sickness. It has been noted that kinetosis is more likely to affect people who occupy the back seats of a car or read while traveling. These situations can increase the risk of symptoms. On the other hand, risk groups for motion sickness include:
Children between the ages of 6 – 12 are more prone to kinetosis. However, children under two are at low risk due to their underdeveloped bodies and lack of sufficient visual stimuli. Susceptibility to kinetosis also decreases during adolescence and beyond. The reason may be that repetitive situations promote habituation of the body. Therefore, kinetosis is quite rare in adults, especially after age 50.
It has also been noted that women are more likely to experience kinetosis than men in the same age group. In addition, women are more likely to experience more intense symptoms of motion sickness. Women during menstruation and pregnant women are even more prone to kinetosis. Hormonal changes probably cause this. Menopausal women are also more prone to kinetosis than men of the same age.
If there is a family history of motion sickness, other family members are also at risk of developing unpleasant symptoms of kinetosis. This is especially true for children whose parents have or have had kinetosis in the past. In the study, researchers found the genes responsible for motion sickness.
Certain diseases, including migraines, can increase the risk of kinetosis. Frequent headaches of unknown origin diagnosed as migraines can increase susceptibility to motion sickness. Meniere's disease, an inner ear disorder affecting the vagus, also increases susceptibility. Sleep deprivation and exposure to light also lead to increased susceptibility.
The severity and duration of kinetosis symptoms depend on the degree of contradiction and the patients' ability to adapt to an unfavorable situation. Some individuals may show more excellent adaptation to receiving convergent information. Conversely, the intensity of the stimulus is not necessarily associated with more severe symptoms.
After cessation of exposure, symptoms usually resolve completely within 24 hours. Some individuals may experience prolonged symptoms. Such cases are known as debarquement syndrome, in which patients experience a continuous perception of movement, and symptoms persist for up to a month after leaving the vehicle. Symptoms of motion sickness include:
Motion sickness causes general discomfort and can be accompanied by a variety of symptoms. Early symptoms before nausea include apathy, disorientation, and increasing drowsiness. In addition, anorexia, eye fatigue, and blurred vision may occur. Psychological symptoms also include difficulty focusing.
Nausea leading to vomiting is a characteristic and unpleasant aspect of motion sickness. Nausea occurs quite early. Various factors can exacerbate this unpleasant symptom. These factors include stuffy and warm air, a full stomach, an unpleasant smell, emotional reactions, or the sight of vomiting. Increased salivation may also occur during kinetosis. Some patients have intense symptoms of violent vomiting, while in others, the illness is limited to nausea only. After vomiting, patients are relieved, but symptoms may develop again after some time. The intense course presents a risk of dehydration.
People with kinetosis may feel more heat and be more sensitive to stimuli. As a result, their bodies may react differently, such as yawning and sighing frequently. Hyperventilation is increased in intense cases, and the need for cool air provides temporary relief from symptoms.
Symptoms of motion sickness also include headaches, although these are not always present. Dizziness, sweating, and pale skin may also occur. Patients may have decreased blood pressure and increased heart rate.
Motion sickness is easy to diagnose due to the specific circumstances that trigger the symptoms. A diagnostic interview is used, and additional tests are usually not necessary. Some medical clinics use questionnaires for motion sickness, in which the MSSQ score is calculated. A differential diagnosis is also important, in which conditions such as concussion, intoxication, and hangover, among others, are excluded. Treatment, on the other hand, consists mainly of pharmacotherapy and preventive methods.
Various medications against kinetosis can be used prophylactically. However, it should be borne in mind that kinetosis may limit the absorption of orally administered drugs. Tablets may also cause side effects such as increased drowsiness. Medication is used for patients whose preventive methods are unsuccessful and whose travel still causes discomfort. Different types of medication are used, and the most commonly used medications include antihistamines and anticholinergics.
Antihistamines are used for treatment and prevention. They show high efficacy by blocking receptors in the vomiting center. Some of these drugs are also safe for pregnant women, who are at higher risk of kinetosis.
Various environmental and behavioral modifications can effectively negate the symptoms of kinetosis. Using multiple methods before and during travel is beneficial and worth testing before starting pharmacotherapy. Experts recommend avoiding heavy meals before a planned trip, especially alcohol or food with a high histamine content. In addition, fresh air and rest are essential during travel.
Adopting an immobilized head position and focusing your gaze on a fixed point is also a good idea, as it will reduce visual conflict. The prone position significantly attenuates the symptoms of motion sickness. Some studies also report that pleasant smells and listening to music while driving can minimize unpleasant sensations.
As people get older, they can adapt, and as a result, kinetosis disappears on its own. However, there are cases where patients also suffer from kinetosis in adulthood, which makes it very difficult for them to function daily. Such individuals may seek help with long-term effects. Some specialists recommend alternative forms of treatment for kinetosis, such as desensitization. Experiments have shown that performing a sequence of head movements at matched speeds can lead to desensitization and alleviate symptoms. However, desensitization methods are rarely used, and it isn't easy to find specialists who do this.
Motion sickness, also known as kinetosis, is a common problem that makes traveling difficult. Kinetosis can be triggered by all sorts of experiences, such as traveling by transport or using a fork or swing. There are various theories to explain the mechanism of the disease. A popular hypothesis is the contradiction between the stimuli felt and the information analyzed by the vagus.
People vary in their susceptibility to the disease and the intensity of their symptoms. Kinetosis is most common in children, but women also suffer more often than men. The symptoms of kinetosis mainly include nausea and vomiting, but other unpleasant symptoms can also accompany these discomforts. Kinetosis can be prevented and is also treated with medication and alternatives.
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