Does motion sickness change with age, and can it disappear completely?

Yes, motion sickness typically changes with age. In general, susceptibility to motion sickness increases during childhood, peaking between the ages of 7 and 12, and then gradually decreases throughout adulthood and into old age. However, susceptibility may increase for a small minority of individuals in old age.

Evolution of Motion Sickness Across the Lifespan

Children under the age of two do not typically experience motion sickness. Susceptibility begins to emerge after this age, reaching its peak during late childhood and early adolescence. This shift is thought to be related to the maturation of the vestibular system (responsible for balance and spatial orientation) and the brain's adaptation to different movement patterns. As we age, the brain acquires the ability to adapt to the sensory conflicts that cause motion sickness, a process known as "habituation" [3].

Habituation and Its Role in the Disappearance of Motion Sickness

Habituation is the most effective mechanism for counteracting motion sickness. It involves repeated exposure to the stimulus causing the dizziness, which leads to updating the brain's "internal model" to accept new patterns of sensory relationships. For example, sailors may become accustomed to the motion of a ship over time, which reduces their feeling of dizziness. Habituation can be slow and may require periodic re-exposure to motion to maintain adaptive protection [3].

Factors Influencing the Persistence of Motion Sickness

Although motion sickness tends to decline with age, certain factors may influence its persistence or severity:

• Genetic factors: Studies indicate that susceptibility to motion sickness has a significant genetic component, with genetic factors potentially explaining 55-70% of individual differences in susceptibility [2]. If you have first-degree relatives who suffer severely from motion sickness, you may be more susceptible to it yourself [2].
• Health conditions: People with a history of migraines, dizziness, or vestibular system disorders are more prone to motion sickness [3].
• Hormones: Women are more susceptible to motion sickness than men, especially during menstruation or pregnancy [2].

Tips for Managing Motion Sickness at Any Age

Regardless of age, steps can be taken to prevent or alleviate motion sickness:

• Focus on the horizon: Try to look at a fixed point on the horizon to reduce the discrepancy between what your eyes see and what your vestibular system feels [3].
• Avoid reading: Avoid reading or using electronic devices while in motion, as this increases sensory conflict [3].
• Sit in areas with less motion: In a car, sit in the front seat. On an airplane, sit near the wings. On a ship, choose the middle of the vessel [3].
• Good ventilation: Open the window or direct an air vent toward you to get fresh air [3].
• Medications: Certain over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines (e.g., dimenhydrinate or meclizine) can be used to prevent motion sickness. It is preferable to take them well before exposure to motion, as they are most effective when taken before symptoms appear [3].
• Ginger: Although some studies have not shown ginger to be effective for motion sickness specifically, it may be helpful for nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy [1]. You should consult a healthcare provider before using any herbal supplements [1].

For more information on the causes, prevention, and effective treatments for motion sickness, you can visit Motion Sickness: Causes, Prevention, and Effective Treatments for Long Travel (Arabic).

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you suffer from severe motion sickness that affects your quality of life, or if your symptoms are accompanied by persistent dizziness, severe headache, vision impairment, or difficulty walking, it is important to consult a doctor to evaluate your condition and rule out any other underlying conditions. In rare cases, symptoms that persist after motion has stopped (such as mal de debarquement syndrome) may indicate the need to consult a specialist in vestibular system disorders [3].

Medical references

• Motion Sickness
• Motion sickness: MedlinePlus Genetics
• Ginger