Travel sickness PDF Print E-mail
Share
Motion sickness or travel sickness is caused when there is confusion between the motion perceived by the brain, and the motion perceived by the eyes. This often occurs on a boat out at sea or in a car travelling on windy/bumpy roads when your eyes think that you are still but your inner ear tells your brain that you are rocking. This may result in dizziness, nausea, vomiting and light-headedness. Frequently the person's face turns a pale grey colour.

The most common advice given to a person who experiences motion sickness is to look at the horizon or at the road so that your eyes are able to compare your movement with something that is still and realise that you are in fact moving. Travel sickness while on a boat is known as sea sickness. Some individuals are very susceptible to motion sickness while others are not affected at all.