Definition

• Symptoms triggered by a spinning, rocking or rolling motions
• The main symptoms are dizziness and nausea

Health Information

Symptoms

• Dizziness and unsteady walking
• Nausea and vomiting are also common
• Before age 6, the main symptom is dizziness and the need to lie down.
• After age 12, the main symptom is nausea (feeling sick to the stomach)

Causes

• Symptoms are mainly triggered by motion. Sea sickness or amusement park sickness are the most common types. Amusement park rides that spin or whirl are the big offenders. The Tilt-a-whirl is a good example of a ride to avoid. Also seen during travel by train, aircraft and even car.
• The cause is a sensitive equilibrium center. This center is found in the inner ear.
• As a car passenger driving on winding roads, 25% of people develop symptoms. Under extreme conditions (e.g., high seas) over 90% of people have symptoms.
• Strongly genetic: If one parent has it, 50% of the children will have it.
• It is not related to emotional problems. The child cannot control it with will power.
• Motion sickness symptoms are usually worse in children.

Care Advice

1. Overview:
   • Motion sickness is a common normal reaction that occurs in 25% of people.
   • Caused by increased sensitivity of the inner ear.
   • It is not related to emotional problems or any physical disease.
   • In the future, take a special medicine ahead of time to prevent it.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Rest:
   • Have your child lie down and rest. If your child goes to sleep, all the better.
3. Fluids:
   • Give only sips of clear fluids (water is best). Do this until the stomach settles down.
4. Vomiting:
   • Prepare for vomiting. Keep a vomiting pan handy.
   • Usually, children don’t vomit more than once with motion sickness.
5. What to Expect:
   • All symptoms of motion sickness usually disappear in 4 hours after stopping the motion.
   • As for the future, people usually don’t outgrow motion sickness. Sometimes, it becomes less severe in adults.
6. Motion Sickness Medicines:
   • Buy some Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) (OTC) at your drug store. In the future, give Dramamine to prevent motion sickness.
   • It comes in 50 mg regular and chewable tablets or in 25 mg Kids chewable.
   • Dosage: do not use under age 2.
   • 2 to 5 years (12.5 mg): ½ Kids chewable
   • 6-11 years (25 mg): 1 Kids chewable
   • 12 and older (50 mg): 1 regular tablet or chewable
   • Give the Dramamine 1 hour before traveling or going to an amusement park.
   • The tablets give 6 hours of protection and are very helpful.
   • Bonine is another special OTC medicine that helps.
   • Benadryl can also be used to prevent motion sickness. Use this if you do not have any Dramamine or Bonine.
7. Prevention Tips for Car Trips:
   • If your child is over 12 years old, sit him in the front seat.
   • Before age 12, have your child sit in the middle back seat. This should help him look out the front window.
   • Have your child look out the front window, not the side one.
   • Discourage looking at books or DVDs during car travel.
   • Keep a window cracked to provide fresh air.
   • Avoid exhaust fumes from other vehicles.
   • Meals: Have your child eat light meals before trips. Some children can just tolerate crackers and water.
   • Plastic Bags: Always carry a ziplock plastic bag for vomiting emergencies.
8. Wrist Bands - Prevention:
   • Acupressure bands (e.g., SeaBands) are helpful for some adults.
   • There is no reason they shouldn’t work for some children.
   • Put them on before car trips or other causes of motion sickness.
   • The pressure button goes over the center of the wrist. Place ½ inch (1 cm) above the wrist crease.

Call Your Doctor If

• Any symptoms last over 8 hours
• You think your child needs to be seen
• Your child becomes worse

Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP

Copyright 2000-2020 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC

Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. The information contained in this handout should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. Listing of any resources does not imply an endorsement.

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