Motion sickness occurs when the eyes, balance organs and body-position senses send conflicting information about movement. Looking ahead, fresh air and a position with less movement often help. Medicines work best when taken beforehand, but can cause drowsiness and unsafe driving.
- Yawning, turning pale, cold sweats and extra saliva are often early signs.
- Nausea, an unsettled stomach and vomiting during movement.
- Look ahead at the horizon or a fixed point and keep your head and body as still as possible.
- Avoid reading and screens; close your eyes or try to sleep if you cannot look outside.
- Make an appointment for repeatedly severe symptoms, new motion sickness later in life or symptoms lasting long after the journey.
- For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.
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General information, not personal medical advice
This article has been carefully prepared but may contain errors or become outdated as medical knowledge changes. It does not replace diagnosis, examination or treatment by your own GP. Always discuss personal questions and starting, stopping or changing medicines or treatments with your own GP.
For a life-threatening situation, call Ambulance 912. For urgent care outside office hours, call HAP 9252.
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