How can one manage vertigo caused by motion sickness?

Overthrowing Anxiety™ This eBook includes a complete program to treat anxiety effectively. It guides you to learn the ways to find, understand, and accept the main cause of your anxiety and start using the techniques provided in it to treat the problem.

How can one manage vertigo caused by motion sickness?

Managing vertigo caused by motion sickness involves a combination of strategies to reduce symptoms and prevent future episodes. Motion sickness occurs when there’s a mismatch between the signals your brain receives from your eyes, inner ear, and body. Here are some approaches to manage and prevent vertigo related to motion sickness:

1. Medications

Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines: Medications like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine (Bonine) are commonly used to treat motion sickness and can help reduce vertigo. These medications block signals in the brain that cause nausea and dizziness.
Prescription medications: In severe cases, doctors may prescribe medications like scopolamine (often in the form of a patch) or benzodiazepines to manage vertigo symptoms.
Ginger supplements: Some studies suggest that ginger can help reduce symptoms of motion sickness. Ginger can be taken in various forms, such as capsules, tea, or candy, and may help settle the stomach and reduce dizziness.

2. Vestibular Rehabilitation

Vestibular rehabilitation is a type of physical therapy designed to help with dizziness and vertigo. It involves exercises that help your brain adjust to and compensate for the conflicting sensory input that causes motion sickness.
Balance exercises: Exercises focusing on improving balance and coordination can help reduce symptoms and improve the body’s tolerance to motion.
Brandt-Daroff exercises: These exercises help with habituation to dizziness, which can help the brain adapt to the sensory conflict.

3. Avoiding Triggers

Stabilize your visual environment: Try to fix your gaze on a stable object, like the horizon or a fixed point, to reduce the sensory conflict between your visual input and the motion you feel. If you’re in a car, sit in the front seat and look at the road ahead.
Limit head movements: Sudden or rapid head movements can worsen vertigo. Keeping your head still while experiencing motion can help minimize dizziness.
Choose calm environments: If possible, avoid traveling in situations where motion sickness is likely, such as turbulent flights, rough boat rides, or winding roads.
Air circulation: Fresh air or a fan can help reduce nausea and dizziness. Opening a window or turning on air conditioning can help.

4. Lifestyle Modifications

Eat light meals: Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy foods before traveling, as they can exacerbate nausea. Eating small, frequent meals can also help prevent motion sickness.
Hydration: Dehydration can worsen dizziness and nausea. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, but avoid alcohol or caffeinated drinks before and during travel.
Acupressure: Some people find relief from vertigo caused by motion sickness by using acupressure bands or applying pressure to the P6 acupoint (located on the inside of the wrist). This technique can help alleviate nausea and reduce vertigo symptoms.
Rest: Fatigue can make vertigo worse, so getting plenty of rest before and during travel can help reduce the severity of symptoms.

5. Gradual Desensitization

If you know you’re prone to motion sickness, gradual exposure to motion may help desensitize your body over time. You can start with short, low-intensity motion (such as sitting in a stationary car) and gradually increase the duration or intensity of the motion as you build tolerance.

6. Focus on Breathing and Relaxation

Deep breathing: Deep, slow breathing can help calm your nervous system and reduce the sensation of vertigo. Focus on inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth to help reduce anxiety and dizziness.
Progressive muscle relaxation: Tensing and relaxing muscles in your body can help you stay calm and reduce the physical symptoms of vertigo caused by motion sickness.

7. Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine

Both alcohol and caffeine can make dizziness worse, so it’s best to avoid them before and during travel. Caffeine can also increase anxiety, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

8. Positioning Techniques

Sit or lie down: If you feel vertigo coming on, find a place to sit or lie down. Keeping your body still can help your brain and inner ear regain balance and reduce dizziness.
Reclining position: If you’re in a car or plane, reclining your seat and resting your head against the headrest can help stabilize your position and reduce vertigo.

9. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

For some individuals, anxiety about motion sickness can worsen symptoms. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic technique that helps manage anxiety, and it may help individuals cope with the psychological aspects of vertigo and motion sickness.

10. Consider Your Mode of Travel

Different modes of transportation can have different impacts on motion sickness. For example, air travel may cause more motion sickness due to turbulence, while train or car travel may be less intense. If you know that one form of transportation tends to cause less vertigo for you, consider opting for it when possible.

Conclusion

Managing vertigo caused by motion sickness involves a combination of medications, lifestyle modifications, and strategies to reduce exposure to triggers. By incorporating techniques like using acupressure, practicing relaxation, and focusing on stabilization during travel, you can minimize the impact of vertigo. If symptoms persist or worsen, it may be helpful to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment options.