Motion Sickness

Overview

  • Motion sickness is vomiting/nausea or dizziness brought on by spinning or rolling motion.
  • Most common in children ages 2-12
    • may rarely affect infants and toddlers
  • Approximately 25% of the population are affected by motion sickness and while symptoms may become less severe as you age, for most people it never fully goes away.

Common Symptoms

  • Dizziness (primary symptom before the age of 6)
  • Nausea +/- vomiting
  • Paleness
  • Salivating
  • Sweating

Causes

  • Occurs when conflicting messages are sent to the brain, creating the sensation of imbalance.
  • Symptoms are triggered by motion:
    • Sea, air, train, car travel
    • Amusement park rides
  • There is a strong genetic link:
    • if one parent has it, 50% of their children will too
  • Motion sickness is not related to emotional issues or physical disease and cannot be controlled by will power.
  • Motion sickness is not dangerous to your child, but the symptoms can be distressing for everyone involved.

Prevention Tips

  • It is a good idea to have your child eat a light meal before trips.
    • Even just crackers and water can help settle their stomach.
    • Crunchy snacks while traveling are also a good option: pretzels, Saltines, Goldfish crackers.
  • Try to avoid exhaust fumes from other vehicles, boats, planes.
  • If possible, keep a window cracked or fan on to provide fresh air.
  • Discourage your child from looking at tablets, books or phones when the car, plane is moving.
  • Have your child look out the front window, not the side windows.
    • If on a boat or plane, focusing on the horizon can be helpful.
  • In a car:
    • If over 12 years old and weight/height are appropriate, sit in the front seat.
    • If under 12 years old, sit in the middle back seat to make looking forward easier.

When Prevention Doesn’t Work

  • Lie down, rest, take a nap if possible.
  • Give small sips of clear fluids (water is best) and continue offering until the motion sickness has passed.
  • Be prepared to deal with vomiting, pull over to a safe place or have disposable vomit bags handy.
  • Typically, kids will only vomit once from motion sickness, unless travel time is extensive.
  • All symptoms will generally resolve about 4 hours after the motion stops.

Treatment Options

 Dramamine 

  • This medication is best used as a preventative medication.
  • Plan to give 60 minutes before traveling or going to a fun park.
  • Only safe for children 2 years of age and older. 
  • It comes in the following formulations:
  • Dosing by age:
    • 2 to 5 years (12.5 mg): ½ Kids chewable
    • 6 to 11 years (25 mg): 1 Kids chewable
    • 12 and older (50 mg): 1 regular tablet or chewable
  • Each dose gives approximately 6 hours of protection.
  • Dramamine can be very helpful for kids who are prone to motion sickness, which has not responded to other treatments.
  • Previously, Benadryl was recommended for motion sickness, this is no longer true.
  • Benadryl and Dramamine should NOT be given together.

Wrist Band Therapy

  • Acupressure bands can also be very helpful for some children and adults.
    • Only recommended for ages 3+.
  • These should be put on before car trips or before other possible causes of motion sickness.

When to Reach Out to Modern Pediatrics

  • Motion sickness lasts longer than 8 hours.
  • Persistent vomiting with decreased urination (less than once every 8 hours), or for any concern for dehydration. 
  • Lethargic, difficult to wake up and keep awake, limp muscles.
  • Any other new or progressing symptoms that are concerning to you.
  • Please see our resource, Symptoms that Worry Your Care Team, for additional details.