September 13, 2020

Motion Sickness: Best Fixes If Traveling Makes You Ill

Tips to prevent and treat motion sickness

child suffering from motion sickness in car

As summer approaches, so does vacation season. What’ll it be this year? Road trips to the beach, skiing in the mountains, cross-country flights to visit family? Planning a trip to a new place can be exhilarating — until you remember that those bumpy car rides and turbulent flights make you feel motion sickness.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Motion sickness is a common disturbance of the balance system, which includes but is not limited to, the inner ear.

“Motion sickness is the nausea, sweating and dizziness some people experience when the balance system is stimulated in an unexpected way,” says neurologist Neil Cherian, MD.

Dr. Cherian offers tips and tricks on how to deal with motion sickness next time you’re away:

What causes motion sickness?

Your brain senses movement by getting signals from your ears, eyes, muscles and joints.

“When there’s a disconnect between what our inner ear is telling us, what our eyes see and how we are moving, our brain may not know how to process it,” Dr. Cherian says.

For example, you might become airsick because your eyes cannot see the turbulence that is tossing the plane from side to side.

There is likely a genetic component to motion sickness. According to the Genetics Home Reference Journal, motion sickness tends to cluster in families. If you have a parent or sibling who is highly susceptible to motion sickness, then you are more likely to have motion sickness as well compared to the general public.

How can I prevent motion sickness?

Motion sickness can occur with any mode of travel: on a boat, plane, train, bus or car. The choices you make when traveling can help to lessen your chances of feeling ill, so it’s important to choose your seat wisely because where you sit matters.

Advertisement

Being able to predict the physical motion of the vehicle or actually being able to see outside of the vehicle in the direction of travel can often be helpful.

“The most common place to experience motion sickness in the car is in the back seat,” Dr. Cherian says. “The front seat of a car, the forward cars of a train, the upper deck on a boat or wing seats on a plane may give you a smoother ride.”

If possible, lean your head against the headrest to minimize movements and stand up if you feel queasy. It’s also important to avoid distractions like phones, tablets and books. Activities and the outside environment can make a difference.

“Motion sickness can be worsened by reading or using your smartphone or by being on a windy road,” Dr. Cherian says. “Try looking out into the distance, as this can help.”

Don’t forget to fill your belly with the right things before and during travel. In the hours before you travel, avoid alcohol and greasy foods but make sure to drink lots of water and get plenty of rest. While traveling, eat dry crackers and avoid cigarette smoke.

If your child gets motion sickness, be sure to keep plastic bags​ handy in case they throw up. If they’re over 12 years old, have them ride in the front seat of the car. If they’re younger, have them sit in the middle seat so they can look forward toward the road.

Treatment for motion sickness

If you suffer from motion sickness, head to your local drugstore and look for over-the-counter antihistamines that can both prevent and treat it. Some of the most common are meclizine (Antivert®, Bonine®), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine®) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl®).

Motion sickness bands and bracelets are also sold over the counter. If you’re looking to go with a non-pharmaceutical route, try using ginger or lavender aromatherapy or acupressure wristbands. However, check with your doctor before using natural remedies.

Advertisement

“The bands and bracelets are based on acupuncture or acupressure points,” says Dr. Cherian. “In some patients, they can be quite helpful. The benefit is that they are cheap because they’re less than $10 for the non-electric version. They also offer a drug-free option.”

People who have motion sickness are also more prone to migraine headaches. Both migraine and motion sickness sufferers tend to share the same symptoms of nausea, dizziness and headaches, according to a study done on the link between migraine and motion sickness.

“Getting optimal treatment for your migraine headaches can sometimes help with motion sickness,” Dr. Cherian says.

If you have severe motion sickness, prescription scopolamine pills or a skin patch are other options. Dr. Cherian recommends applying the patch to the skin behind the ear to help prevent motion sickness for up to three days.

When to call a doctor

“Motion sickness that starts later in life — after your 20s — may indicate some type of inner ear disorder,” Dr. Cherian says. “Or it could be the result of a pre-existing migraine condition. There are also times, though much less frequently, that it can indicate something more serious.”

Keep a tab on your symptoms. If you’re concerned or your symptoms are severe or bothersome, give your doctor a call.

Related Articles

Six people disembark from a cruise ship while the captain watches
May 30, 2018
Why Can Motion Sickness Persist, Even After Your Cruise?

Exploring mal de debarquement

Hand trying to write on paper, with hand shaking, tremoring
March 12, 2024
Seizure Warning Signs and Symptoms May Not Be What You Expect

Seizure symptoms can go far beyond convulsions and may include feelings of déjà vu, temporary confusion and unusual movements

Person experiencing COVID headache, with calendar months floating in background
March 11, 2024
What To Know About COVID Headaches

They can feel like a typical headache or a migraine headache, but the pain can last for weeks to months

Patient at doctor office with physician checking their back
March 11, 2024
Is It Time To See a Doctor for My Aching Back?

It’s always a good idea to let a healthcare provider know about any back pain you’re experiencing, especially if it results from trauma or persists longer than three months

Close up of person pouring a cup of coffee
February 23, 2024
Does Caffeine Help Headaches?

It’s all about the amount — try to stick to 100 to 150 milligrams a day to reduce and prevent a pounding, throbbing head

blurred person looking out window in background with glass of wine and bottle in foreground
February 21, 2024
How Does Alcohol Affect Your Brain?

Even one drink can have an impact on your cognitive function leading to slurred speech, blurred vision and impaired memory

female on couch reading a nasal spray bottle label
February 20, 2024
What To Know About Nasal Spray for Migraines

Among the options is a fast-acting medication that offers relief in as little as 15 minutes

two people doing jumping jacks on pavement outside
February 19, 2024
How Exercise Can Help Boost Your Memory

Cardio is great for improving cognition, but strength and balance training are just as important

Trending Topics

White bowls full of pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate and various kinds of nuts
25 Magnesium-Rich Foods You Should Be Eating

A healthy diet can easily meet your body’s important demands for magnesium

Woman feeling for heart rate in neck on run outside, smartwatch and earbuds
Heart Rate Zones Explained

A super high heart rate means you’re burning more than fat

Spoonful of farro salad with tomato
What To Eat If You’ve Been Diagnosed With Prediabetes

Type 2 diabetes isn’t inevitable with these dietary changes

Ad