Motion sickness: current concepts and management

Purpose of review: Motion sickness is an ancient phenomenon that affects many people. Nausea, vomiting, disorientation, sweating, fatigue, and headache are just few of the many signs and symptoms that are commonly experienced during an episode of motion sickness. In the present review, we will provide an overview of the current research trends and topics in the domain of motion sickness, including theoretical considerations, physiological and neural mechanisms, individual risk factors, and treatment options, as well as recommendations for future research directions.

Recent findings: More recently, motion sickness has been in the focus of attention in the context of two global technological trends, namely automated vehicles and virtual reality. Both technologies bear the potential to revolutionize our daily lives in many ways; however, motion sickness is considered a serious concern that threatens their success and acceptance. The majority of recent research on motion sickness focuses on one of these two areas.

Summary: Aside from medication (e.g. antimuscarinics, antihistamines), habituation remains the most effective nonpharmacological method to reduce motion sickness. A variety of novel techniques has been investigated with promising results, but an efficient method to reliably prevent or minimize motion sickness has yet to emerge.