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motion sickness
ICD-10 Codes
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Description
What is Motion Sickness?
Motion sickness is a common problem that occurs when your body receives conflicting signals from your senses, such as your eyes, inner ear, and body. This can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Cold sweats
- Feeling sick to your stomach
Causes and Triggers
Motion sickness can be triggered by various situations, including:
- Traveling in a car, boat, or plane
- Watching something move, such as a ride at the fair
- Conflicting signals from your senses, which can cause your brain to become confused.
Symptoms of Motion Sickness
The symptoms of motion sickness may include:
- Dizziness
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Being sick (vomiting)
- Headache
- Feeling cold and going pale
Treatment Options
There are several treatment options available for motion sickness, including:
- Medicines called antiemetics, which reduce nausea. Examples include ondansetron (Zofran) and promethazine (Phenergan).
- Scopolamine patches, which can be applied behind the ear.
- Administering medication 2 hours before travel to prevent symptoms.
References
- [1] Motion sickness is feeling dizzy or sick to your stomach because you're moving or watching something move. Motion sickness is a common problem. (Source: Search result 4)
- [2-3] Symptoms of motion sickness may include dizziness, nausea and vomiting, burping, and sweating. Treatment is often best taken before the motion. (Sources: Search results 8 and 5)
- [6-7] Motion sickness occurs when there are conflicts among your senses. Medicines called antiemetics can reduce nausea. Examples include ondansetron (Zofran) and promethazine (Phenergan). (Sources: Search results 6 and 7)
- [9] Symptoms of motion sickness may include dizziness, feeling sick (nausea), being sick, headache, feeling cold and going pale. (Source: Search result 5)
Additional Characteristics
- Motion sickness is a common problem that occurs when your body receives conflicting signals from your senses.
- Symptoms of motion sickness may include dizziness, nausea and vomiting, burping, and sweating.
- Medicines called antiemetics can reduce nausea. Examples include ondansetron (Zofran) and promethazine (Phenergan).
- Symptoms of motion sickness may include dizziness, feeling sick (nausea), being sick, headache, feeling cold and going pale.
Signs and Symptoms
Common Signs and Symptoms of Motion Sickness
Motion sickness can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, which can vary from person to person. Here are some common signs and symptoms:
- Feeling of uneasiness: Many people experience a feeling of unease or discomfort when they first start experiencing motion sickness.
- Cold sweats: A cold sweat is a common symptom of motion sickness, often accompanied by a feeling of nausea.
- Dizziness: Dizziness is another common symptom, which can make it difficult to stand or walk.
- Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are two of the most uncomfortable symptoms of motion sickness.
- Pale skin: Some people may experience pale skin due to the lack of blood flow caused by dizziness.
- Increased saliva production: An increase in saliva production is a common symptom, which can be accompanied by a feeling of nausea.
- Headache: A headache can occur as a result of the conflicting signals sent to the brain.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired or exhausted is also a common symptom of motion sickness.
When Symptoms Typically Occur
Symptoms of motion sickness usually begin with a feeling of uneasiness, followed by cold sweats and dizziness. Nausea and vomiting typically occur after these initial symptoms.
Who is Most Affected?
Motion sickness can affect anyone, but it occurs more frequently in women and children between the ages of 2 and 12 years. Symptoms sometimes diminish as patients get older, and new-onset motion sickness is uncommon after the age of 50.
References:
- [3] Motion sickness happens when the body, the inner ear, and the eyes send conflicting signals to the brain.
- [14] The signs and symptoms of motion sickness usually begin with a feeling of uneasiness followed by cold sweats (sweating) and dizziness. Some people may exhibit: Pale skin; Increased saliva production; Headache; Fatigue; Nausea and vomiting usually occur after these initial symptoms.
- [15] Motion sickness usually causes an upset stomach. Other symptoms include a cold sweat and dizziness. A person with motion sickness may become pale or complain of a headache.
- [5] Individual susceptibility to motion sickness varies greatly. It does, however, occur more frequently in women and in children between the ages of 2 and 12 years, though it is rare in infants 2 years. Symptoms of motion sickness sometimes diminish as patients get older, and new-onset motion sickness is uncommon after the age of 50.
- [11] Motion sickness occurs when certain kinds of motion make an individual feel ill. The symptoms of motion sickness can occur in response to real motion (e.g., travel by car, boat, airplane, or train) or in response to a perceived sense of motion, such as when watching movies on large screens or using virtual reality (VR) simulators, as well as during space travel.
Diagnostic Tests
Motion Sickness Diagnosis
Motion sickness diagnosis typically does not require any laboratory or imaging studies, except in rare cases where other conditions need to be ruled out [1]. The evaluation of motion sickness is usually based on a person's symptoms and medical history.
- No Laboratory Tests Needed: According to various sources, laboratory tests are generally not necessary to diagnose motion sickness [2][3].
- Pattern of Symptoms: A diagnosis of motion sickness can often be made without the need for a doctor or any tests. The pattern of feeling unwell, including stomach discomfort, nausea, and vomiting, accompanied by autonomic features such as pallor and sweating, is characteristic of motion sickness [4][5].
It's worth noting that while laboratory tests are not typically needed, a healthcare professional may still want to rule out other conditions that could be causing similar symptoms.
References: [1] 1. Jan 4, 2024 — The evaluation of motion sickness rarely requires any laboratory or imaging studies except on the rare occasion when ruling out another ... [2] by YH Cha · 2021 · Cited by 83 — We present diagnostic criteria for motion sickness, visually induced motion sickness (VIMS), motion sickness disorder (MSD), ... [3] Laboratory tests are generally not necessary to diagnose motion sickness. Remedies. The distressing symptoms of motion sickness usually stop when the motion ... [4] Your doctor does not usually need laboratory tests to make a diagnosis. ... There are no credible studies showing that herbs used for motion sickness treatment ... [5] How is motion sickness diagnosed? You don't need to see a doctor or get any tests for a diagnosis of motion sickness. There is a pattern of feeling unwell ...
Additional Diagnostic Tests
- No Laboratory Tests Needed
- Pattern of Symptoms
Treatment
Medications Used to Treat Motion Sickness
Motion sickness can be effectively treated with various medications, which are categorized into two main groups: antihistamines and anticholinergic agents.
- Antihistamines: These are the most commonly used medications for motion sickness. They work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical that plays a role in triggering nausea and vomiting. Examples of antihistamines used to treat motion sickness include:
- Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
- Promethazine (Phenergan)
- Cyclizine
- Meclizine
- Anticholinergic agents: These medications, such as scopolamine, work by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a chemical that stimulates muscles and glands. Scopolamine is a first-line medication for prevention of motion sickness and should be administered transdermally several hours before travel [4].
Effectiveness and Side Effects
While antihistamines are generally effective in reducing symptoms of motion sickness, they may not completely eliminate them. Anticholinergic agents like scopolamine can also reduce nausea associated with motion sickness but do not reduce vomiting [8]. It's essential to note that medications should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional and according to their instructions.
References
[1] Scopolamine is a first-line medication for prevention of motion sickness and should be administered transdermally several hours before travel [4]. [2] Antihistamines, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), are the most commonly used medications for motion sickness [1]. [3] Cyclizine, meclizine, and promethazine (oral and suppository) are also antihistamines used to treat motion sickness [7]. [4] Scopolamine should be used to reduce nausea associated with motion sickness, but it does not reduce vomiting [8].
Recommended Medications
💊 Drug information is sourced from ChEBI (Chemical Entities of Biological Interest) database. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication. Click on any medication name for detailed information.
Differential Diagnosis
Differential Diagnosis of Motion Sickness
Motion sickness is a common condition that can be challenging to diagnose, as its symptoms can mimic those of other conditions. Therefore, it's essential to consider the differential diagnosis when evaluating patients with suspected motion sickness.
Common Differential Diagnoses:
- Migraine: Migraines can cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, which are also symptoms of motion sickness.
- Pregnancy: Morning sickness is a common symptom during pregnancy, but it's essential to rule out other causes of nausea and vomiting in pregnant women.
- Concussion: A concussion can cause dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, which may be mistaken for motion sickness.
- Intoxication: Alcohol or drug intoxication can lead to symptoms similar to motion sickness, such as nausea and vomiting.
- Basilar artery occlusion: This condition can cause dizziness, nausea, and vomiting due to a blockage in the basilar artery.
- Cerebral vascular accident (stroke): A stroke can cause sudden onset of symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
Other Differential Diagnoses:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): This condition causes brief episodes of vertigo triggered by head movements.
- Meniere's disease: This inner ear disorder can cause vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
- Acute vestibular disorder: This condition affects the balance system in the inner ear, leading to symptoms like dizziness and nausea.
Key Points:
- Motion sickness is a common condition that requires careful differential diagnosis to rule out other potential causes of symptoms.
- A thorough medical history and physical examination are essential for accurate diagnosis.
- Consideration of the patient's travel or transportation history can help identify motion sickness as a possible cause of symptoms.
References:
[1] - Differential Diagnosis. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo · Meniere ... Discharge if motion sickness is the primary diagnosis; Educate ... (Search Result 5) [2] - Aug 24, 2023 — Differentials · Migraine attack · Food poisoning · Acute vestibular disorder. (Search Result 6) [3] - Sep 1, 2024 — Motion sickness (kinetosis ) causes symptoms that include dizziness, nausea, and headache. It occurs when you're moving (in a car, ... (Search Result 8) [4] - Mar 7, 2021 — Differential Diagnosis. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo · Meniere ... Discharge if motion sickness is the primary diagnosis; Educate ... (Search Result 5)
Additional Differential Diagnoses
- dumping syndrome
- Concussion
- Pregnancy
- Other Differential Diagnoses
- Intoxication
- Common Differential Diagnoses
- Cerebral vascular accident (stroke)
- Acute vestibular disorder
- basilar artery occlusion
- benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
- migraine
- Meniere's disease
Additional Information
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- relatedICD
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It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medical condition.