Motion Sickness
Motion sickness is nausea and dizziness caused by movement in a car, plane, boat, or ride. Simple motion sickness remedies, like looking at the horizon and getting fresh air, help most people. Medicine taken before travel can prevent it.
What Is It
Motion sickness happens when your eyes and inner ear send your brain different signals about movement. It is common in children ages 2 to 12, during pregnancy, and in people who get migraines. It goes away once the motion stops.
Symptoms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Cold sweat
- Pale skin
- Headache or tiredness
Not sure it’s motion sickness? Spinning or dizziness that happens without travel is covered under dizziness and vertigo. Vomiting that keeps going after you stop moving may be another cause of nausea and vomiting.
Treatment
At your visit: A provider reviews your travel plans and health history. Over the counter or prescription medicine taken before a trip can prevent motion sickness, and options exist for children. Dizziness without motion has other causes.
At home:
- Sit in the front seat of a car or over the wing on a plane
- Look at the horizon and avoid reading or screens
- Get fresh air and eat a light snack before travel
- Take preventive medicine before the trip, as directed
Symptoms usually go away within a few hours after the motion stops.
When to Get Care for Motion Sickness
Most motion sickness symptoms can be cared for at home. If you are not sure what it is, or it is not getting better, Vitality Urgent Care is here to answer your questions and advise the right treatment. No appointment is needed.
FAQ
What are the best motion sickness remedies?
The best motion sickness remedies are sitting where motion is felt least, looking at the horizon, getting fresh air, avoiding screens, and taking preventive medicine before travel.
How do you stop motion sickness fast?
To stop motion sickness fast, look at a fixed point on the horizon, get fresh air, close your eyes if you are a passenger, and stop moving if you can.
Why do kids get car sick?
Kids get car sick because their eyes and inner ears send mixed signals about movement. It is most common between ages 2 and 12 and often improves with age.
Should I take motion sickness medicine before travel?
Yes, motion sickness medicine works best when taken before travel starts. Follow the label or your provider’s directions, since some of these medicines can cause drowsiness.
Can urgent care help with motion sickness?
Yes, urgent care can help with motion sickness. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can discuss prevention before a trip, including options for children. No appointment or referral is needed.
Does motion sickness go away on its own?
Yes, motion sickness usually goes away on its own within a few hours after the motion stops. Some people adjust after a few days on a boat.
Last reviewed October 2026
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