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Motion sickness
5-minute read
Key facts
- Motion sickness is also known as travel sickness, car sickness or sea sickness.
- Motion sickness can happen in response to real movement or simulated movement.
- If you have motion sickness, you are likely to have nausea, may vomit and feel clammy.
- You can help prevent motion sickness by looking outside the vehicle or focusing on the horizon.
- You can try travel sickness treatments to help prevent motion sickness.
What is motion sickness?
Motion sickness is feeling unwell when moving on any type of transport. It is also known as 'travel sickness', 'car sickness' or 'sea sickness'. It is a normal response to certain types of movement.
What are the symptoms of motion sickness?
Nausea is the main symptom of motion sickness. But you might also experience other symptoms, including:
If you are prone to motion sickness, you may quickly feel sick if you read a book or look at your phone when in a moving vehicle. You may also be more sensitive to smells.
You might feel better after vomiting and symptoms will generally improve once you stop moving. But you can also feel the after-effects of motion sickness for a few hours or a few days before fully recovering.
What causes motion sickness?
Motion sickness is thought to be caused by your senses being confused when what you see is different from the signals felt by your inner ear balance system.
You can get motion sick when:
- travelling by car, bus, boat, train or aeroplane
- on amusement park rides
- playing virtual reality video games or simulations
Motion sickness is a common problem. It is most common in children aged between 7 and 12 years. If other family members get motion sickness, it is more likely that you will too.
If you already have a condition that causes nausea, such as morning sickness or migraines, you may be more likely to experience motion sickness.
When should I see my doctor?
If you have symptoms of motion sickness and you do not usually get it, see your doctor to check for another cause. If you often feel dizzy or nauseous at other times, discuss this with your doctor.
You may choose to see your doctor before travel for advice on motion sickness medicines as well as other health advice for your travel.
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How is motion sickness diagnosed?
You don't need to see a doctor or get any tests for a diagnosis of motion sickness. It usually follows a pattern of feeling unwell during travel or movement, so you will probably know if you have it.
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How is motion sickness treated?
You can try taking travel sickness medicines to prevent motion sickness. These may include antiemetics (medicines to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting) such as antihistamines or hyoscine.
There might be side effects, such as drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice on what to take. Getting advice is especially important:
- for children
- if you are taking other medicines
- if you are pregnant
If you are using a travel sickness medicine, you should take it about half an hour before travel.
What are the complications of motion sickness?
Motion sickness does not lead to long-term effects. However, motion sickness may stop you from doing certain activities or travelling if you are strongly affected by it. You can use prevention strategies and medicines to help minimise its impact.
Can motion sickness be prevented?
Here are some tips for preventing motion sickness:
- Look out the window and focus on the horizon instead of reading a book or looking at a screen.
- Try to sit or lie still and close your eyes.
- Sit close to the front of a car, bus or train.
- Listen to music and breathe mindfully.
- Open the window or air vent for fresh air.
- Eat lightly before and during the trip and avoid alcohol.
If you are travelling by sea, after a couple of days of exposure to the motion you will likely adapt and get used to it.
Resources and support
Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to prevent and treat motion sickness.
Visit the Australian Government's Smartraveller website for more travel health advice.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) or Affiliate near you.