December 2011 - Issue #14
Understanding motion sickness
Story by a staff writer
View articles in related topics: Aviation, Health & Medical
If you are one of the many people who suffer from motion sickness, take heart.
Swinburne aviation medicine specialist Dr David Newman says understanding the cause can help people manage and even avoid attacks of nausea during travel.
Motion sickness is caused by a conflict between the three primary sensors the body uses to interact with its surroundings:
- the balance organs in the ear that allow movement to be detected in three dimensions
- the eyes, which are the primary source of information about motion
- the proprioceptors, or pressure sensors, found in muscles, tendons and joints that relay the sense of touch.
To beat nausea, Dr Newman suggests travellers:
- keep their eyes on the horizon and head still by using a travel pillow
- in a car, choose the front passenger seat; in an aeroplane, choose a seat near the wing; in a boat, stay towards the centre of the vessel
- avoid heavy, greasy meals shortly before travel and keep (non-alcoholic) fluid consumption up.
The good news, Dr Newman says, is that the body retains a memory of adaption, so persevere.
