Why do I feel sick in the back of the car?

Why Do I Feel Sick in the Back of the Car?

Motion sickness is a common ailment that can affect people of all ages. It is caused by a discrepancy between the signals transmitted by the inner ear and the visual input perceived by the eyes during travel-induced movements. This conflict results in feelings of discomfort and nausea.

The inner ear is responsible for balance and spatial orientation. It contains fluid-filled canals that sense head movements. When the head moves, the fluid in these canals moves as well, sending signals to the brain about the direction and speed of the movement.

The eyes also play a role in balance and spatial orientation. They send signals to the brain about the visual environment, including the position of the head and body in relation to the surroundings.

When the signals from the inner ear and the eyes are in agreement, the brain can accurately perceive the body’s movement and orientation. However, if there is a discrepancy between the two sets of signals, the brain can become confused, leading to feelings of motion sickness.

This can occur in situations where the head is moving but the visual environment is not, such as when riding in a car. The inner ear senses the movement of the car, but the eyes see a stationary environment. This conflict can cause the brain to become confused and trigger the symptoms of motion sickness.

There are a number of things that can increase the risk of motion sickness, including:

• Reading or using a phone while in a moving vehicle
• Riding in the back seat of a car
• Having a history of motion sickness
• Being prone to migraines or headaches
• Taking certain medications, such as antihistamines or antidepressants

If you are prone to motion sickness, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your symptoms, including:

• Sit in the front seat of the car and focus on the horizon.
• Avoid reading or using a phone while in a moving vehicle.
• Get fresh air by opening a window or turning on the air conditioning.
• Take over-the-counter motion sickness medication, such as Dramamine or Bonine.
• Talk to your doctor about prescription medications that can help prevent motion sickness.

If you are experiencing severe motion sickness, it is important to stop the vehicle and rest. You may also need to take medication to relieve your symptoms.