Motion Sickness

Is this your child's symptom?

• Dizziness or nausea from spinning or rolling motions

Symptoms of Motion Sickness

• 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 of Motion Sickness

• Symptoms are mainly triggered by motion. Sea sickness or amusement park sickness are the most common types. Fun-park rides that spin or whirl are some of the main causes. 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 center in the inner ear. This center helps to maintain balance.
• As a car passenger driving on winding roads, 25% of people will have 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 often worse in children.

When to Call for Motion Sickness

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

• Your child looks or acts very sick
• You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

• Motion sickness symptoms last more than 8 hours
• You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

• You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

• Motion sickness symptoms

Care Advice for Motion Sickness

What You Should Know About Motion Sickness:

• 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.

Rest - Lie Down:

• Have your child lie down and rest. If your child goes to sleep, all the better.

Fluids - Offer Sips:

• Give only sips of clear fluids. Water is best. Do this until the stomach settles down.

Vomiting:

• Prepare for vomiting. Keep a vomiting pan handy.
• Usually, children don't vomit more than once with motion sickness.

What to Expect:

• All symptoms of motion sickness usually go away 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.

Motion Sickness Medicine - Dramamine:

• Buy some dimenhydrinate tablets (such as Dramamine) at your drug store. No prescription is needed. In the future, give it to prevent motion sickness.
• It comes in 50 mg regular and chewable tablets or in 25 mg Kids chewable tablets.
• Dosage by age: do not use under age 2.
• 2 to 5 years (12.5 mg): ½ Kids chewable
• 6 to 11 years (25 mg): 1 Kids chewable
• 12 and older (50 mg): 1 regular tablet or chewable
• Give the medicine 1 hour before traveling or going to a fun-park.
• The tablets give 6 hours of protection and are very helpful.
• Benadryl can also be used to prevent motion sickness. Use this if you do not have any Dramamine.

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 movies 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.

Wrist Bands - Prevention:

• Acupressure bands (such as Sea-Bands) 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

Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 05/01/2025

Last Revised: 01/25/2025

Copyright 2000-2025 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.