Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
The symptoms of motion sickness include nausea, vomiting, and
dizziness (vertigo). Other common signs are sweating and a general
feeling of discomfort and not feeling well (malaise).
Is there a difference between motion sickness and sea sickness?
There is no difference between motion sickness and sea sickness.
Some people experience nausea and even vomiting when riding in an
airplane, automobile, or amusement park ride. This condition is
generally called motion sickness.
Many people experience motion sickness when riding on a boat or ship.
This is commonly referred to as sea sickness (mal de mer), even
though it is the same disorder. They
are one and the same phenomenon and will subsequently be referred to
as motion sickness.
How does our sense of balance work?
Motion sickness relates to our sense of balance and equilibrium.
Researchers in space and aeronautical medicine call this sense
spatial orientation, because it tells the brain where the body is "in
space:" what direction it is pointing, what direction it is moving,
and if it is turning or standing still.
Our sense of balance is regulated by a complex interaction of the
following parts of the nervous system:
The inner ears (also called the labyrinth) monitor the
directions of motion, such as turning or forward-backward, side-to-side, and
up-and- down motions.
The eyes observe where the body is in space (for example,
upside down, right side up, etc.) and also the directions of motion.
Skin pressure receptors such as those located in the
feet and seat sense what part of the body is down and touching the ground.
Muscle and joint sensory receptors report what parts
of the body are moving.
The central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) processes
all the bits of information from the four other systems to make some
coordinated sense out of it all.
Dizziness is a symptom that is often applies to a variety of sensations including lightheadedness and vertigo. Causes of dizziness include low blood pressure, heart problems, anemia, dehydration, and more. Treatment of dizziness depends on the cause.
Nausea is an uneasiness of the stomach that often precedes vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are not diseases, but they are symptoms of many conditions. The causes of vomiting differ according to age, and treatment depends upon the cause of nausea and vomiting.
Vertigo is a feeling of spinning movement, and at times accompanied by nausea and vomiting occur. Vertigo is most often associated with an inner ear problem. The treatment for vertigo can be lifestyle changes and medication if necessary.
Nausea and vomiting are symptoms that may be caused by many conditions. Antiemetics are drugs that treat nausea and vomiting. Though some antiemetics for motion sickness and mild nausea are available over the counter (OTC), most require a medical evaluation and prescription.
Balance is a state of body equilibrium or stability. We often take for granted how dependent we are on a healthy balance system. When the system breaks down, however, patients will describe symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness, or motion sickness.
Travelers should prepare for their trip by visiting their physician to get the proper vaccinations and obtain the necessary medication if they have a medical condition or chronic disease. Diseases that travelers may pick up from contaminated water or food, insect or animal bites, or from other people include malaria, meningococcal meningitis, yellow fever, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, polio, and cholera.
Neurology RSS
Healthy Living Tips
This site complies with the