Motion (Travel) Sickness

What is motion sickness?

Motion sickness (travel sickness) is common, especially in children. It is caused by repeated unusual movements during travelling. This sends confusing or conflicting nerve signals to the brain from the eyes and from the balance mechanism in the ear. This can make you feel sick or vomit. In addition you may sweat, drool saliva, have a headache, and go pale.

Symptoms can develop on cars, trains, planes, boats, fairground rides, etc. Symptoms typically go when the journey is over, but not always. In some people they last a few hours, or even days, after the journey ends.

• Keep motion to a minimum. For example: sit in the front of a car; sit over the wing of a plane; sit on deck in the middle of a boat.
• Breathe fresh air if possible. (For example, open a car window.)
• Shut your eyes and try to sleep.
• Do not read, or watch a film.
• Don't stare at moving objects such as waves or other cars. Don't focus or stare at nearby objects. Instead, look ahead a little above the horizon if you cannot sleep.
• Don't have large meals before, and during, travelling.

Several medicines reduce, or prevent, symptoms. You can buy them from pharmacies, or get them on prescription. They work by interfering with the nerve signals described above. They are best taken before the journey. How long before varies depending on the product (see the packet instructions). Medication may also help even if you take it after symptoms have begun.

• Hyoscine is the most effective. Doses vary depending on age. There are several brands of medicines which contain hyoscine. You should take a dose 30-60 minutes before a journey. One product (only available on prescription) comes as a patch for people aged 10 years or over. You stick this onto the skin behind the ear 5-6 hours before the journey. This releases hyoscine into the bloodstream. Hyoscine can sometimes cause side-effects. These include dry mouth, drowsiness, and blurred vision. But, side-effects are unusual at the low doses used for motion sickness.
   
• Antihistamines are an alternative. They are not quite as effective as hyoscine. However, they usually cause less side-effects and may be preferred. There are several types of antihistamine and a pharmacist will advise. Some cause drowsiness, for example, promethazine. This may be useful for young children on long journeys. Older children or adults may prefer one that is less likely to cause drowsiness. For example, cinnarizine or cyclizine.

© EMIS and PIP 2004   Updated: May 2002   CHIQ Accredited