If you’ve ever been on a boat, in the backseat of a car, or on a carnival ride and suddenly felt nauseous and dizzy, you’ve experienced motion sickness. And you’re certainly not alone — scientists estimate one in every three people get motion sick at some point in their lives. While certain people are more susceptible to motion sickness, research shows it may also have to do with their genetics.
Who is Prone to Motion Sickness?
Motion sickness is generally seen in women and children between the ages of 2 and 12. Other factors impacting motion sickness include:
- Aging
- Pregnancy and/or menstrual cycles
- Inner ear issues
- Migraine headaches
- Diseases such as Parkinson’s disease
- Certain medications such as birth control pills
Motion sickness happens when there is a discrepancy between what your eyes perceive and how your body is moving. For instance, when you read a book while in a moving vehicle, your eyes see the book as stationary, but your body feels the physical movement of the vehicle. These conflicting bits of information confuse your brain. The result—you’re suddenly not feeling well.
Physical symptoms of motion sickness include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Cold sweats
- Panic breathing
- Turning pale
Why Do Some People Get Motion Sickness and Others Do Not?
Technically speaking, anyone can become motion sick. However, in 2005 researchers from Pennsylvania State University found evidence suggesting motion sickness has a genetic component. The research team studied 200 twin pairs from India and found if one identical twin had motion sickness, the other twin also had it.
They also studied parents and children. Parents vulnerable to motion sickness had children that were five times as likely to experience motion sickness.
In 2015, researchers from the genetic testing company 23andMe identified 35 genetic variants in humans associated with motion sickness. Researchers reported that genetic variants were associated with different areas of a person’s body, such as their eyes, ears, or neurological processes — all of which play a role in motion sickness.
While there is still much to understand about motion sickness, genetics seems to play a role. If you tend to experience motion sickness, there’s a good chance your child may as well. Take precautions to try to keep motion sickness at bay while traveling so everyone has an enjoyable travel experience.
Planning to travel this year? Make sure your vaccines are up-to-date by talking to one of Passport Health’s travel health specialists. Call 937-306-7541 or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Written for Passport Health by Corrie Pelc. Corrie Pelc is a freelance writer in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She has a passion for health and wellness, having written for publications including Exceptional Parent, DAYSPA, INVISION, Eyecare Professional, and Hepatitis Magazine.
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