Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Motion sickness symptoms: nausea, dizziness, cold sweat, vomiting and headache, plus when to see a doctor.
Symptoms usually start within minutes of travel and ease soon after the movement stops.
Early signs
Main symptoms
In children
Young children may become very quiet, pale, irritable or sleepy before vomiting. They may not be able to say what is wrong.
How long it lasts
Symptoms normally fade within a few hours of stopping travel. Some people feel tired or off for up to a day, especially after sea travel. Rarely, a feeling of rocking continues for days after a long voyage, called mal de debarquement.
When to see a doctor
Go to emergency (112 or 102) if
There is sudden severe vertigo with weakness, slurred speech, double vision, trouble walking, chest pain or fainting. These are not motion sickness.
Ayurvedic view
Dizziness with nausea is described under Vata-Pitta conditions in traditional texts. This is interpretive and does not replace medical advice.
Remember
Most motion sickness is mild and passes once the movement stops. Plan ahead, stay hydrated and see a doctor if symptoms are severe or last more than a day.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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