What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Motion Sickness

Audience: adult

After a telemedicine visit for motion sickness, you will typically receive advice on managing your symptoms and may be prescribed medications to help reduce nausea and dizziness. Your healthcare provider will explain how to use any prescribed treatments and suggest lifestyle changes to prevent or lessen future episodes. You might be advised to avoid certain triggers like strong smells or reading while moving. Follow-up care may include monitoring symptoms and checking if treatments are effective. If symptoms worsen or new problems develop, you should seek further medical attention. Telemedicine offers a convenient way to get guidance and support for motion sickness, but some situations may require in-person evaluation.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe vomiting that prevents keeping fluids down — seek emergency care to avoid dehydration.
• Confusion, severe headache, or weakness — these may signal serious conditions needing urgent evaluation.
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing during episodes — get immediate medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of motion sickness symptoms.
• Providing education on symptom management and prevention.
• Prescribing common medications for motion sickness.
• Monitoring treatment response via follow-up calls or video visits.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Evaluating severe or complex neurological symptoms.
• Treating dehydration requiring intravenous fluids.
• Diagnosing underlying conditions causing similar symptoms requiring physical exams or tests.
• Managing emergencies such as severe allergic reactions or chest pain.

Understanding Your Telemedicine Visit

During your telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, how often they occur, and what triggers them. They will assess your overall health and may recommend treatments or lifestyle changes to help manage motion sickness. This visit is a chance to discuss your concerns and ask questions about your condition.

Medications and Treatments You May Receive

Your provider might suggest over-the-counter or prescription medications such as antihistamines or anti-nausea drugs to help control symptoms. They will explain how and when to take these medicines and discuss possible side effects. Sometimes, non-drug approaches like acupressure bands or behavioral techniques may be recommended.

Lifestyle and Prevention Tips

To reduce motion sickness, you may be advised to avoid reading or screen use during travel, focus on the horizon, get fresh air, and avoid heavy meals or strong odors before and during travel. Staying hydrated and taking breaks during long trips can also help. Your provider can tailor these tips to your specific needs.

When to Seek Further Medical Care

If your symptoms do not improve with treatment, worsen, or if you experience severe vomiting, dehydration, or confusion, you should seek in-person medical care promptly. Some symptoms may indicate other health issues that require more thorough evaluation.

Follow-Up and Monitoring

Your healthcare provider may schedule a follow-up telemedicine visit or recommend seeing a specialist if symptoms persist. Keeping a symptom diary can help track triggers and treatment effectiveness. Always communicate any changes in your condition.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place with good internet connection for your telemedicine visit.
• Have a list of your symptoms, including when they started and what triggers them.
• Prepare a list of current medications and any allergies.
• Be ready to describe your medical history and any recent travel.
• Have a notepad or device ready to take notes during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the medication instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Implement lifestyle and prevention tips discussed during the visit.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or side effects.
• Schedule or attend any recommended follow-up appointments.
• Seek immediate care if you experience any red flag symptoms.

FAQs

What should I do if my motion sickness medication causes drowsiness?

Some motion sickness medications may cause drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you. If drowsiness is severe or bothersome, contact your healthcare provider for advice.

Can motion sickness go away on its own?

Motion sickness often improves with repeated exposure to the motion or by avoiding triggers. However, some people may experience symptoms for longer periods and benefit from treatment and lifestyle changes.

Are there natural remedies for motion sickness?

Some people find relief using acupressure bands, ginger supplements, or aromatherapy. While these may help, it's important to discuss any supplements with your healthcare provider to ensure safety and effectiveness.

When should I consider seeing a specialist?

If your symptoms persist despite treatment, worsen, or if you have additional neurological symptoms, your provider may recommend seeing a specialist such as a neurologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor.

Can I prevent motion sickness during travel?

Yes. Strategies include sitting where motion is felt least (like the front seat or over the wings on a plane), focusing on the horizon, avoiding reading or screens, getting fresh air, and avoiding heavy meals before travel.

Sources

1. Motion Sickness — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Motion Sickness: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
3. Nausea and Vomiting of 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 have urgent or severe symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention.