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Motion sickness

Also called: Motion sickness, car sickness, seasickness, airsickness

Nausea, dizziness, and sweating during travel by car, boat, plane, or ride. It happens when your eyes and inner ear sense different motion.

TypeA mismatch of balance signals
Common inChildren 2 to 12, pregnancy
PreventionMedicines before travel

Overview

The inner ear feels movement your eyes don't see, or the other way around.

Symptoms usually stop once motion stops.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Nausea from car, boat, or plane travel
  • Dizziness

Less common

  • Sweating
  • Vomiting
  • Pale skin

When to get medical care

Call 911Trouble breathing or chest pain.
Get care todayVomiting that won't stop or signs of dehydration.
See a doctor soonMotion sickness that limits travel.

Causes

Conflicting signals between the eyes and inner ear.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Children
  • Pregnancy
  • Migraines

Diagnosis

Usually no tests are needed.

Questions you may be asked

  • Triggers

Treatment

Prevention works better than treatment.

Self-care

  • Sit where motion is least: front seat of a car, middle of a boat, over a plane's wing
  • Look at the horizon: not at a phone or book
  • Get fresh air
  • Eat light before travel

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Antihistamines
PreventionTake before travel; cause drowsiness.
Scopolamine patch (prescription)
Long tripsCan cause dry mouth and blurry vision.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To prevent it:

  • Choose a stable seat
  • Take medicine before travel

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

It goes away when motion stops.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • Which medicine is best for my trip?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Motion sickness

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.