Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Motion Sickness in Children

Audience: pediatric

Motion sickness is a common condition in children that can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and discomfort during travel. While many cases are mild and can be managed at home or with telemedicine support, some symptoms may signal a more serious problem. This guide helps parents understand when telemedicine visits can be helpful and when to seek in-person care for their child’s motion sickness. Recognizing red flags such as persistent vomiting, severe dehydration, or neurological symptoms is important to ensure timely and appropriate treatment. Telemedicine can often assist with symptom management advice, medication guidance, and monitoring, but cannot replace physical exams or urgent interventions when needed. Knowing these signs helps keep your child safe and comfortable during travel or episodes of motion sickness.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Persistent vomiting lasting more than 24 hours — seek in-person medical care to prevent dehydration.
• Signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, no tears, or decreased urination — urgent evaluation needed.
• Neurological symptoms like severe headache, confusion, difficulty walking, seizures, or loss of consciousness — emergency care required.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing advice on symptom management and prevention.
• Guidance on hydration and nutrition during motion sickness.
• Assessing mild symptoms and deciding if in-person care is needed.
• Answering questions about over-the-counter medication use.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations to rule out other causes.
• Treating severe dehydration or neurological symptoms.
• Administering emergency interventions.
• Diagnosing conditions requiring imaging or laboratory tests.

What is Motion Sickness in Children?

Motion sickness happens when the brain receives mixed signals from the eyes, inner ears, and body about movement. This can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sweating. It often occurs during car rides, boat trips, or flights. Children may feel uneasy or complain of stomach upset before symptoms start. Motion sickness usually resolves after the movement stops.

Common Symptoms to Expect

Typical symptoms include:

These symptoms often begin during travel and improve after stopping the motion.

When to Use Telemedicine for Motion Sickness

Telemedicine can be helpful for:

A virtual visit allows healthcare providers to assess symptoms and offer supportive care tips without needing an in-person exam.

Red Flags That Require In-Person Care

Seek urgent in-person care if your child has:

These signs may indicate a more serious condition requiring immediate evaluation.

Preventing Motion Sickness in Children

To help prevent motion sickness:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your child’s symptoms and when they started.
• Note any medications or remedies already tried.
• Ensure a quiet, well-lit space for the telemedicine visit.
• Have water and a thermometer available to report current status.
• Be ready to describe your child’s behavior and any changes in symptoms.

After your tele-visit

• Follow provider instructions on symptom management and medication use.
• Monitor your child closely for any worsening symptoms or red flags.
• Keep your child hydrated with small sips of fluids.
• Schedule follow-up visits if symptoms persist or worsen.
• Seek immediate in-person care if any red flags develop.

FAQs

Can motion sickness be prevented in children?

Yes, motion sickness can often be prevented by simple steps such as encouraging your child to look at the horizon, avoiding heavy meals before travel, keeping the vehicle well ventilated, and using distraction techniques like music or games. In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend safe medications to help prevent symptoms.

Is it safe to give my child medication for motion sickness?

Some over-the-counter medications may be safe for children, but it is important to consult a healthcare provider before giving any medicine. The provider can recommend appropriate options and dosages based on your child’s age and health status.

When should I take my child to the emergency room for motion sickness?

You should seek emergency care if your child has persistent vomiting for more than 24 hours, signs of dehydration (such as dry mouth, no tears, or decreased urination), severe headache, confusion, difficulty walking, seizures, or loss of consciousness. These symptoms may indicate a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.

Can telemedicine replace in-person visits for motion sickness?

Telemedicine is useful for providing advice, managing mild symptoms, and deciding if in-person care is needed. However, it cannot replace physical exams or emergency treatments. If your child shows red flags or severe symptoms, an in-person visit is necessary.

Sources

1. Motion Sickness — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Motion Sickness in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Travel and Motion Sickness — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Motion Sickness — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or red flags, seek immediate medical attention.