$Unique_ID{BRK01216}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{What Causes Motion Sickness?}
$Subject{travel motion sickness}
$Volume{N-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Causes Motion Sickness?


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QUESTION:  I have a very severe problem because I get so sick when ever I
travel.  The distress is so great that I am limited in my choice of vacations
and can't even visit friends just a short distance away.  What causes this
terrible motion sickness and what can I do to control it?  I certainly need
some help, and hope you will provide it.

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ANSWER:  Although not usually a serious medical problem, motion sickness is
the most common complaint voiced by travelers.  Its symptoms-- dizziness with
nausea, vomiting or pale clammy skin--are caused by an overstimulation of the
balance organs in the middle ear.  The sense organs (sight, hearing, and touch
in particular) send messages to the brain whenever our balance is disturbed,
either inside or from outside movements.  If these messages come too fast or
are mixed (your eyes see no motion but your body feels it) the brain gets
overwhelmed and sickness results.
     To minimize motion sickness try to avoid lengthy exposure to continuous,
undulating, and rolling motion.  Ride with your eyes fixed on a distant
stationary object when possible, so your eyes will see the same motion that
your body and inner ears feel.  Do not read when traveling and do not sit
facing backwards.  Also avoid heavy, spicy foods that might upset your
stomach.  If you are planning a trip by plane, schedule a daytime flight, and
book a window seat, so you have a distant horizon to gaze out upon.  When
these simple remedies fail, try some medications that can be recommended by
your physician or pharmacist, to alleviate the troublesome results of motion
sickness.  Follow directions carefully, for most of these medications should
be used before the journey begins.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
