Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Motion Sickness

Audience: adult

Motion sickness is a common condition that causes symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and vomiting when you are in a moving vehicle, boat, or airplane. It happens because your brain gets mixed signals from your eyes, inner ears, and body about motion. Most cases are mild and get better with rest or simple treatments. However, some symptoms may signal a more serious problem that needs in-person medical care. This guide helps you understand when to seek urgent help, what telemedicine can assist with, and how to prepare for a virtual visit. Remember, telemedicine can provide advice and support but cannot replace hands-on exams or emergency treatment. If you experience severe or unusual symptoms, it is important to see a healthcare provider in person.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe, ongoing vomiting that stops you from drinking fluids — seek emergency care to prevent dehydration.
• Confusion, severe headache, weakness, or difficulty speaking — these may signal a serious neurological problem requiring immediate evaluation.
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing during motion sickness symptoms — get urgent medical attention as this could be a heart or lung emergency.

What telemedicine can do

• Evaluating mild to moderate motion sickness symptoms.
• Providing advice on symptom relief and prevention strategies.
• Recommending over-the-counter or prescription medications when appropriate.
• Guiding when to seek in-person or emergency care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations or diagnostic tests.
• Treating severe dehydration or complications.
• Managing emergencies such as chest pain, neurological symptoms, or trauma.
• Providing intravenous fluids or hospital-based treatments.

What Is Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness occurs when your brain receives conflicting information about movement from your eyes, inner ear, and body. This often happens during travel by car, boat, airplane, or train. Symptoms usually include nausea, dizziness, sweating, and vomiting. These symptoms can start before, during, or after travel and usually improve once the motion stops.

Common Symptoms and Causes

Typical symptoms of motion sickness include:

Causes include:

Most people recover quickly with rest and simple remedies.

When to Seek In-Person Medical Care

Some symptoms may mean you need urgent medical attention. Go to a healthcare facility or emergency room if you experience:

These signs could indicate complications or other serious conditions.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine providers can:

However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams, provide emergency care, or treat severe complications.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your virtual appointment:

This preparation helps your healthcare provider give the best advice.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your appointment:

Keeping track of your progress helps ensure safe recovery.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area with a stable internet connection for your telemedicine visit.
• Prepare a list of your symptoms, including when they started and how severe they are.
• Have information about any medications or remedies you have already tried.
• Be ready to describe your recent travel or motion exposure and any triggers.
• Have your medical history and current health conditions available to share with the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment and medication advice given during your telemedicine visit.
• Keep track of your symptoms and note any changes or worsening.
• Stay hydrated and rest as much as possible to help recovery.
• Seek in-person care immediately if you develop any red flag symptoms.
• Schedule a follow-up telemedicine or in-person appointment if recommended by your provider.

FAQs

What causes motion sickness?

Motion sickness happens when your brain gets mixed messages about movement from your eyes, inner ears, and body. For example, if you are reading in a moving car, your inner ear senses motion but your eyes do not, which can cause nausea and dizziness.

Can motion sickness be prevented?

Yes, some ways to reduce motion sickness include sitting where you feel the least motion (like the front seat of a car), looking at the horizon, getting fresh air, avoiding heavy meals before travel, and not reading while moving. Medications may also help if taken before travel.

When should I see a doctor in person?

If you have severe vomiting, signs of dehydration, confusion, chest pain, or symptoms after a head injury, you should see a healthcare provider in person immediately. These could be signs of serious problems needing urgent care.

Can telemedicine treat my motion sickness?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms, offer advice, and recommend treatments for mild to moderate motion sickness. However, it cannot replace in-person exams or emergency treatment for severe symptoms or complications.

Are there medications for motion sickness?

Yes, over-the-counter medications like dimenhydrinate or meclizine are often used to prevent or treat motion sickness. Some prescription medications may be recommended by your healthcare provider. Always use medications as directed and discuss with your provider if you have concerns.

Sources

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

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