Motion Sickness
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Any person with a healthy inner ear system is susceptible to motion sickness. Some things make a person more susceptible and less able to adapt. This is likely due to the maturity or decline in function of the inner ear system. For instance, children between the ages of 4 and 10 are more susceptible to motion sickness. In contrast, elderly people tend to be more resistant to motion sickness. Women of any age, but especially during menstruation or pregnancy seem to be more vulnerable as well.
Measures to reduce or prevent motion sickness include:
eating a small light meal no less than 3 hours before exposure
focusing on a stable horizon or distant focal point while in motion
limiting head movements
staying centrally located while traveling on a boat or plane
sitting up front or driving when traveling in a motor vehicle
avoiding reading or needlework when traveling in a motor vehicle
staying in a well ventilated area
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
The lingering effects of motion sickness will depend on how long a person is exposed to the stimulus and how severe the symptoms are. Once the stimulus causing motion sickness is removed, the actual symptoms will usually stop within a few minutes to a couple of hours. No long-term effects can be expected.
What are the risks to others?
Motion sickness is not contagious.
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