Highlights & Basics
- Motion sickness is a common condition provoked by physical motion or visual motion.
- Characterized by nausea/vomiting, possibly accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, or headache.
- Controlled breathing might be helpful to counteract symptoms of motion sickness.
- Drug therapy includes antimuscarinics and antihistamines; however both may have significant adverse effects (notably drowsiness) and impede habituation (desensitization).
- Habituation and cognitive behavioral therapy may be useful for people who must undergo repeated provocative motion (e.g., occupational exposures).
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Citations
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Yellow Book 2026: health information for international travel. Section 7: travel by air and sea - motion sickness. Apr 2025 [internet publication].[Full Text]
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