Motion Sickness: Why Do Some People Feel Queasy on the Move?
Published: Aug 28, 2024
Motion sickness is a common condition that can make you feel ill when traveling. It happens when your brain gets confused by conflicting signals about movement from your eyes, inner ears, and body.
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What Causes Motion Sickness?
Motion sickness occurs when there's a mismatch between what your eyes see and what your inner ear senses. For example, if you're reading in a moving car, your eyes tell your brain you're still, but your inner ear detects motion. This conflict can trigger nausea, dizziness, and other symptoms. It's like your brain is getting mixed messages and doesn't know how to respond.
Who's Most Likely to Get Motion Sick?
Some people are more prone to motion sickness than others. Women, especially during pregnancy, tend to be more susceptible. Children between 2-12 years old are also more likely to experience it. Interestingly, people who get migraines are often more sensitive to motion sickness too. It's like having a lower threshold for these conflicting sensory signals.

Common Symptoms to Watch For
The most recognizable sign of motion sickness is nausea, which can progress to vomiting in severe cases. Other symptoms include feeling warm, sweating, pale skin, and a general sense of discomfort. Some people may also experience headaches or dizziness. It's like your body is rebelling against the movement it's experiencing.
Frequently Asked Questions
While there's no cure, symptoms can be managed with medication and prevention strategies.
Some special glasses claim to reduce motion sickness, but effectiveness varies.
There's evidence that susceptibility to motion sickness can be inherited.
Some people become less susceptible as they age, but it varies.
Key Takeaways
While motion sickness can be unpleasant, understanding its causes and symptoms can help you manage it better.
Wondering how to prevent motion sickness on your next trip? Ask Doctronic for personalized tips and strategies.Related Articles
References
Oman CM. Motion sickness: a synthesis and evaluation of the sensory conflict theory. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 1990; 68:294.
Golding JF. Motion sickness. Handb Clin Neurol 2016; 137:371.
Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.