Motion sickness video: what to know

Your eyes may see the inside of a vehicle while the balance organs in your inner ear sense movement. The brain has to reconcile these different messages, which can produce nausea, dizziness, sweating, headache and vomiting. Symptoms can occur on roads, at sea, in the air or on rides. They are linked to motion and may settle after you reach stable ground.

Choose a seat with a clear view ahead and keep your head as still as possible. Look toward the horizon, use fresh air, and take regular breaks when travelling by road. Reading, gaming and watching a nearby screen can worsen the mismatch. Eat a modest meal, drink water in small amounts, and ask a pharmacist about prevention before departure. Follow the label and check whether any medicine affects alertness.

Arrange medical advice if symptoms recur without travel, last after motion has stopped, or interfere with work and daily life. Seek urgent care for ongoing vomiting with inability to drink, fainting, confusion, severe headache, new weakness, chest pain or trouble speaking. These features may need assessment for causes other than motion sickness.

Ask whether your symptoms fit motion sickness, which prevention methods suit your trip, and whether medicine could affect driving or other tasks requiring concentration. Share your regular medicines and any history of eye, ear or balance problems.