Whether it’s winding country roads, ferry crossings or flights to a summer destination, many of us deal with some degree of motion sickness. Vhi GP, Dr Dermot McGlone, explains what’s happening in our body when we experience motion sickness and how we can lessen the effects.

What causes motion sickness?

Motion sickness is basically a conflict between what your eyes are seeing and what your inner ear is feeling. Let’s take being on a boat as an example ─ your eyes are often fixed on a stationery object, like your phone, a book, or the table in front of you. But your inner ear, which is like your body’s centre for balance, detects that the boat is moving. Your brain is now receiving conflicting messages from your eyes and your ears about whether you’re moving or not. This mismatch in signals can cause the symptoms of motion sickness, such as dizziness, nausea or getting sick.

Are certain people more prone to motion sickness?

Yes, some people have a heightened sensitivity to motion sickness. For instance, people with a history of vertigo or pre-existing inner ear conditions are more prone to experiencing motion sickness. Generally, children are more susceptible too.

How can you reduce the effects of motion sickness?

Coming back to our boat example ─ assuming it is safe to do so, it can help to go up to the top deck and allow your eyes to see the movement that your inner ear is experiencing. Or sit at the centre of the boat so you feel the motion less. These measures will help to align the signals your ears and eyes are sending to your brain.

Some other tips to reduce the impact of motion sickness:

• For car sickness, some people find sitting in the passenger seat of a car rather than the back seats helps. Try to schedule some pitstops to give yourself a break from symptoms.
• There are effective anti-nausea medications available to help with symptoms, and ginger is great for upset stomach symptoms too. Your GP can prescribe specific medications ahead of a trip, if needed.
• Some people find benefit in acupressure motion sickness bands ─ whether this is a placebo effect makes little odds if it helps someone feel better!
• Don’t eat a big meal just before your journey and avoid alcohol, as both can make your symptoms feel a lot worse.
• As is always an important tip ─ stay well hydrated.
• Aim for a solid night’s sleep before a journey because you don’t want to deal with exhaustion on top of motion sickness symptoms!
• If you suffer from motion sickness on planes, the central seats experience the least movement, so it might be good to try book those seats.

Is medical assistance ever needed for motion sickness?

Usually, over-the-counter medications and preventative measures like I’ve mentioned above will do the trick. But if your symptoms persist without any change, it’s best to visit a healthcare provider at your destination, in case something other than motion sickness is at play. 

This content is for information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from your GP or an appropriate medical professional if you have concerns about your health or before commencing a new healthcare regime. If you believe that you are experiencing a medical emergency call 999 / 112 or seek emergency assistance immediately.