Motion sickness: causes and which doctor to see
In cars, boats, planes or fairground rides, the eyes and the inner ear send conflicting signals to the brain, causing nausea, paleness, sweating and vomiting. It is more common in children aged 2–12, pregnant women and people with migraine, and usually passes within hours once the movement stops. It is a common problem on boat trips and winding coastal roads.
Which doctor should I see for motion sickness?
For motion sickness you can first see: Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) or Family Medicine. If you are not sure, a family doctor can refer you to the right specialist.
What are the symptoms of motion sickness?
- Nausea and vomiting
- Paleness and cold sweats
- Dizziness and headache
- Yawning and watering of the mouth
- Fatigue
What causes motion sickness?
The most common causes are listed below. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
- 1Conflicting signals from the eyes, inner ear and body position
- 2Looking at a book or screen in a vehicle
- 3Poor ventilation and smells
- 4Migraine and inner-ear sensitivity
- 5Pregnancy and hormonal changes
When is it an emergency? Call 112 now
- Does the dizziness continue when you are not moving, or come with double vision or slurred speech
- Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up
- Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg
- Are you struggling to breathe even at rest
What you can do at home
- Sit in the front of the car and look at the horizon.
- Do not read or look at your phone while travelling.
- Eat light meals and avoid heavy, fatty food.
- Open a window for fresh air and avoid smoke.
- On a boat, stay mid-ship and on deck.
What not to do
- Do not give a child sedating medicines without a doctor’s advice.
See a doctor if
- If even short journeys cause severe vomiting
- If you also get dizzy when not moving
- For advice on preventive options before a trip (especially for children and pregnant women)
How long does it last and how is it treated?
It usually passes within a few hours after the movement stops. People who travel often may gradually get used to it.
Who gets motion sickness?
- Children aged 2–12
- Women and pregnant women
- People with migraine
- Anxious travellers
How is it diagnosed?
The diagnosis is made from the history; if dizziness also occurs at rest, the inner ear and nervous system are assessed.
Can it be prevented?
- A light meal before travelling, the front seat, looking at the horizon and frequent breaks.
Find a ENT specialist in your city
ENT specialists in Turkish cities who can help with motion sickness.
People also describe it as
- “I get seasick on boat trips”
- “My child vomits in the car”
Frequently asked questions
Which doctor should I see for motion sickness?
For motion sickness you can first see: Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) or Family Medicine. If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.
What are the symptoms of motion sickness?
Common symptoms: nausea and vomiting; paleness and cold sweats; dizziness and headache; yawning and watering of the mouth; fatigue. Symptoms vary from person to person; a doctor’s examination is needed for a diagnosis.
What should you not do with motion sickness?
Do not give a child sedating medicines without a doctor’s advice.
What causes motion sickness?
The most common causes: conflicting signals from the eyes, inner ear and body position; looking at a book or screen in a vehicle; poor ventilation and smells; migraine and inner-ear sensitivity; pregnancy and hormonal changes. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
How long does motion sickness last and how is it treated?
It usually passes within a few hours after the movement stops. People who travel often may gradually get used to it.
Who gets motion sickness?
It is more common in: children aged 2–12; women and pregnant women; people with migraine; anxious travellers.
How is motion sickness diagnosed?
The diagnosis is made from the history; if dizziness also occurs at rest, the inner ear and nervous system are assessed.
Can motion sickness be prevented?
A light meal before travelling, the front seat, looking at the horizon and frequent breaks.
Can I buy motion sickness tablets in Turkey?
Ask a pharmacist; some options need a doctor’s advice, especially for children and in pregnancy.
When is motion sickness an emergency?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “Does the dizziness continue when you are not moving, or come with double vision or slurred speech?” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”
When should I see a doctor for motion sickness?
See a doctor: if even short journeys cause severe vomiting; if you also get dizzy when not moving; for advice on preventive options before a trip (especially for children and pregnant women).
Similar complaints
Emergency numbers in Turkey
112: ambulance, emergency (free, 24/7, from any phone). 114: National Poison Information Centre. 182: appointment line for public hospitals (MHRS). Pharmacies on night duty (nöbetçi eczane) are posted on the door of every pharmacy.
Sources
This page is based on current information published by the official and independent bodies below and on our editorial principles. Last updated: . To report an error: contact us.
This page does not provide a medical diagnosis and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you think it is an emergency, call 112 (Turkey’s free emergency number). For poisoning, call the National Poison Information Centre on 114.