Motion Sickness-When Motion Causes Illness

Many people love travelling and do their best to organize the best trips whenever they have the chance. However, there is one reason that determines many people to stay at home: motion sickness. Read about motion sickness, what causes it and about some tricks to overcome it.

The phenomenon was previously known as seasickness and later as air sickness. But no matter whether travelling by ship, plane, bus, car or even train, motion sickness can occur on any means of transport. Motion sickness occurs when the organ of balance sends "messages" or stimuli that the brain does not recognize.

Causes of seasickness

The organ of balance located in the inner ear responds to any change in the inclination of the head, but also to acceleration. The body consists of several lymphatic fluid-filled semicircular canals. The walls of the semicircular canals are equipped with hair cells. If there is any movement or acceleration of the head or the whole body, then there is movement in the liquid. The hair cells are then bent. Then, the stimulus received by the hair cells is converted into an electrical impulse and the nerves transmit it to the brain.

This process takes place continuously with every movement. The brain compares the "messages" sent by the vestibular system to the stimuli of the senses. As you turn in circles, the brain learns not only about the balance, but also about the sense of sight. However, there is a fault if the releases of the various sense organs are contradictory or do not fit together. This is what motion sickness actually is. Know the causes as well as the symptoms of motion sickness.

Motion sickness is caused by a winding path, waves or turbulence or any unusual balance movement. However, the sense of sight will not perceive any movement because you are in a closed means of transport - car, boat or plane. The brain cannot cope with this contrary information. The same thing happens on the deck of a sailboat if the differences between the perceived and seen movements are too large. Severe motion sickness with headaches, nausea and vomiting can occur if this situation is maintained over a longer period of time.

How to prevent motion sickness

The most reliable remedy for motion sickness is the following: Experience the movement not only with your body, but find a way for the eyes to perceive it, too and if possible, choose a seat that is not subjected to too much movement. Make sure that you prevent the symptoms of motion sickness. There are ways to do it.


In the car

The driver should not be sick. The reason: He has his eyes on the road and takes every curve in advance with his eyes. The brain "knows" so that the body is forced into the same curve and can classify this movement stimulus correctly.
If you are prone to motion sickness: Take the passenger seat and look forward or drive.


On the bus

The front seats are also recommended on the bus, not only because of the possibility of keeping eyes on the road, but also because you can adjust to tight curves better. The movement stimulus is therefore particularly intense in certain seats. You might want to stay directly above the front axle, which is in front of the bus.

On the plane

The pilot must fly in patterns or the body tends to go up and down too much in case of turbulences. This movement is the lightest at the level of the wings on the aisle. So try to reserve a seat there.

On the ship

When you are on a boat, you can usually avoid the waves if you stay in the middle. However, going on the deck helps when on a boat trip: the fresh air and unobstructed view of the horizon often prevent the nausea.

On the train

Motion sickness usually occurs in case of rare travelling, but this is not a rule. Modern trains are often put into the corners, just like motorcycle riders. Usually, the rails are fixed at a slight angle. Certain traits tend to get further to the right or left through the curves. The rule is: The axis is the gentlest place.

There are also drugs that help against motion sickness, in addition to these behavioral measures. Ginger tablets have proved to be effective. One should take the tablets before they get really bad. The tablets are ineffective if you vomit.

In general, you should also pay attention to adequate sleep and easily digestible food. You should not leave on an empty stomach. Deal with your stomach rather regularly by eating light snacks such as pretzels or low-fat cookies. And avoid discussions about possible motion sickness for the fear of it favors the nausea. By the way, the body generally gets used to the movement stimuli over time.