Motion sickness is a disturbance in the inner ear caused by repeated motion. It is generally caused when one's sense of equilibrium doesn't match up with visual cues. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Children between the ages of 2 and 12 can be particularly prone to motion sickness.
You may be familiar with the motion sickness patch. It is a small adhesive patch, worn behind the ear, containing the drug scopolamine. This drug is not recommended for children because of potentially dangerous adverse effects.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend other medications for children to prevent motion sickness. They include dimenhydrinate (brand names Dramamine and TripTone) and diphenhydramine (brand name Benadryl). Meclizine (Bonine) is an antihistamine that also works to prevent motion sickness.
Pressure bands (sold as SeaBands or BioBands) are knitted bands worn to apply pressure to Nei-Kuan acupuncture points. While they are considered safe for children over 2, evidence of their effectiveness is anecdotal and, according to the CDC, "scientific data are lacking."
Eating light, more frequent meals may reduce the onset of motion sickness. Also, flavored lozenges (peppermint or ginger) may reduce symptoms. Reducing or eliminating visual input may also help. Affected children (and adults) should concentrate on the horizon or close their eyes.
