General principleTactics
Minimize vestibular motion
  • Avoid particularly noxious types of motions

  • Complex (multiple and off-axis) motions are worse than simple (one-axis) motions

  • Low-frequency motions are worse than high-frequency motions

  • Rotary motion is worse than linear motion

  • Vertical motions are worse than horizontal motions

  • Avoid travel in difficult conditions and locations

  • Avoid air travel in storms and turbulent conditions

  • Avoid terrain with many turns, accelerations, and ups and downs

  • Avoid travel on water in storms and large waves

  • Avoid travel through fog, clouds, and other conditions with poor visibility

  • Choose location within the vehicle that minimizes motion

  • Airplanes: over the wing

  • Automobiles: driver's or front passenger seat, facing forward3,4

  • Boats: facing toward the waves, away from the rocking bow, near the surface of the water2

  • Buses: near the front, at the lowest level, facing forward3

  • Trains: at the lowest level, facing forward

Habituate to motion
  • Gradually increase amount of motion stimuli

  • Start travel in calm conditions and slowly increase the amount of motion exposure

  • If symptomatic, attempt to reduce, but not eliminate, motion stimuli

Synchronize the visual system with the motion
  • View the true visual horizon25

  • Avoid close work (e.g., reading, looking at computer screens, photography)

  • Avoid spaces where the horizon cannot be seen

  • Focus on a distant point on the horizon

  • Look toward the motion or direction of travel

  • Maintain a wide view of the horizon

  • If unable to view the true visual horizon

  • Close eyes and hold head still

  • Wear sunglasses

Actively synchronize the body with the motion
  • Perform active movements if possible

  • Actively tilt head into turns6

  • Pilot the vehicle or connect with steering device7

  • Stand with legs bent, and anticipate the motion by moving entire body

  • Actively swim if in water

  • Walk around the vehicle if possiblePerform active movements if possible

  • If unable to perform active movements

  • Brace body and head to avoid additional motion8

  • Lay supine or recline head to 30 degrees

Reduce other sources of physical, mental, and emotional discomfort
  • Treat and prevent gastritis2

  • Avoid alcoholic drinks

  • Eat before traveling, and avoid an empty stomach

  • Eat light, soft, bland, low-fat, and low-acid food

  • Stay or get comfortable2

  • Attempt to sleep

  • Avoid dehydration, hunger, and fatigue

  • Stay dry

  • Avoid or reduce other unpleasant stimuli

  • Assure adequate ventilation

  • Avoid discussing motion sickness

  • Avoid noxious stimuli (e.g., exhaust fumes, smell of emesis)

  • Avoid unpleasant thoughts9

  • Listen to music10

  • Maintain a positive attitude11,12

  • Use cognitive behavior therapy2

  • Practice mindful breathing13