Tele-triage for Motion Sickness in Children

Audience: pediatric

Motion sickness is common in children and can cause nausea, dizziness, and vomiting during travel by car, boat, plane, or other movement. Telemedicine can help families understand symptoms, provide advice on managing mild cases, and guide when to seek further care. Most children with motion sickness feel better with rest, hydration, and simple home remedies. However, some signs suggest the need for in-person evaluation, such as severe vomiting, dehydration, or unusual symptoms. Tele-triage can support parents by offering timely guidance, reducing unnecessary travel, and ensuring children get the right care at the right time.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has repeated vomiting and cannot keep fluids down — seek immediate medical attention to prevent dehydration.
• Child shows signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, no tears when crying, or decreased urination — visit healthcare provider promptly.
• Child experiences severe headache, confusion, weakness, or high fever along with motion sickness symptoms — urgent in-person evaluation is needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate motion sickness symptoms
• Providing advice on home care and prevention strategies
• Guidance on medication use and safety
• Determining need for in-person evaluation

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe dehydration or inability to keep fluids down
• Neurological symptoms such as confusion or weakness
• High fever or signs of serious infection
• Persistent symptoms despite home care

What is Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness happens when the brain receives mixed signals from the eyes, inner ears, and body about movement. This mismatch can cause nausea, dizziness, sweating, and vomiting. It often occurs during car rides, boat trips, or flights, especially in children who may be more sensitive to motion.

Common Symptoms in Children

Children with motion sickness may experience:

Symptoms usually start during or shortly after movement and often improve once the motion stops.

When to Use Telemedicine for Motion Sickness

Telemedicine can be helpful to:

Tele-triage allows quick access to healthcare advice without leaving home.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Seek urgent in-person care if your child has:

These signs may indicate a more serious condition requiring examination.

Tips to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit, try to:

Managing Motion Sickness at Home

To help your child feel better:

If motion sickness is frequent, consult a healthcare provider for further advice.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down the child’s current symptoms and when they began
• List any medications or treatments already given
• Prepare to describe recent travel details (mode, duration)
• Find a quiet, well-lit area with good internet connection for the call
• Have a caregiver available to assist during the tele-visit if needed

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on home care and medications
• Monitor the child’s symptoms closely for improvement or worsening
• Ensure the child stays hydrated with small, frequent sips of fluid
• Schedule follow-up care if symptoms persist or worsen
• Seek immediate in-person care if red flag symptoms appear

FAQs

Can motion sickness be prevented in children?

Yes. Preventive steps include sitting in the front seat or near the wings on a plane, focusing on the horizon, avoiding heavy meals before travel, and taking breaks during long trips. Some children may benefit from medications, but these should be used under medical guidance.

Are there safe medications for motion sickness in children?

Some over-the-counter medications may be used for children, but it is important to consult a healthcare provider before giving any medication. Dosage and safety depend on the child’s age and health status.

When should I worry that motion sickness is something more serious?

If your child has persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, severe headache, confusion, weakness, or high fever, these could indicate a more serious problem. In such cases, seek in-person medical care promptly.

Can telemedicine replace all visits for motion sickness?

Telemedicine is useful for initial assessment and mild cases. However, it cannot replace in-person exams when symptoms are severe or complicated. Always follow advice about when to seek face-to-face care.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child’s symptoms are severe, worsen, or you have concerns, seek immediate medical attention.