How to prepare for a video visit about Motion Sickness

Audience: adult

Motion sickness is a common condition that causes symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and vomiting when you travel by car, boat, plane, or other means. Preparing for a video visit about motion sickness can help you get the most from your telemedicine appointment. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, triggers, and medical history to offer advice on managing or preventing motion sickness. This guide explains how to prepare for your video visit, what telemedicine can and cannot do for motion sickness, and when to seek in-person care. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful way to discuss your symptoms but does not replace a full physical exam when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe dizziness causing loss of balance or falls — seek emergency care immediately.
• Confusion, weakness, difficulty speaking, or vision changes — call emergency services.
• Persistent vomiting causing dehydration or inability to keep fluids down — see a healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and history of motion sickness.
• Providing advice on prevention and management strategies.
• Recommending over-the-counter or prescription medications when appropriate.
• Determining if in-person evaluation is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations to rule out other causes.
• Managing severe or emergency symptoms.
• Diagnosing complex or rare conditions without further testing.
• Providing emergency care.

What is Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness happens when your brain receives mixed signals from your eyes, inner ears, and body about movement. This can cause symptoms like nausea, dizziness, sweating, and vomiting during travel by car, boat, plane, or even virtual reality experiences. It is usually not serious but can be uncomfortable and affect your daily activities.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, gather information about your symptoms and travel history. Write down answers to questions such as:

Make sure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) has a working camera and microphone. Find a quiet, well-lit place for your appointment.

What Telemedicine Can Do for Motion Sickness

During your video visit, a healthcare provider can:

What Telemedicine Cannot Do

Telemedicine cannot:

If your symptoms are severe, sudden, or worsening, you may need to see a healthcare provider in person.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Contact emergency services or go to an emergency room if you experience:

For ongoing or unclear symptoms, an in-person visit may be needed for further evaluation.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your symptoms and when they occur.
• Note any triggers or travel types that cause symptoms.
• Prepare a list of current medications and health conditions.
• Ensure your device has a working camera and microphone.
• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the video visit.
• Have a pen and paper ready to take notes during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on medication and lifestyle changes.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or side effects.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
• Keep a symptom diary to share in future visits.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any red-flag symptoms.

FAQs

What causes motion sickness?

Motion sickness occurs when your brain receives conflicting signals about movement from your inner ears, eyes, and body. This mismatch can cause symptoms like nausea and dizziness.

Can motion sickness be prevented?

Yes, prevention strategies include sitting in a stable position, looking at the horizon, avoiding reading or screens while moving, and using medications or natural remedies as advised by a healthcare provider.

Are there medicines for motion sickness?

There are over-the-counter and prescription medications that may help prevent or treat motion sickness. A healthcare provider can recommend options based on your symptoms and health history.

When should I seek emergency care for motion sickness?

Seek emergency care if you have severe dizziness causing falls, confusion, difficulty speaking or seeing, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or persistent vomiting leading to dehydration.

Is telemedicine suitable for managing motion sickness?

Telemedicine can be useful for discussing symptoms, getting advice, and deciding if you need in-person care. However, it cannot replace physical exams or emergency treatment.

Sources

1. Motion Sickness — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Motion Sickness: Causes and Prevention — Mayo Clinic.
3. Motion Sickness — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Merck Manual Consumer Version: Motion Sickness — Merck & Co., Inc..

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience severe or urgent symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention.