MOTION SICKNESS
Motion sickness (seasickness, or “mal de mer”) is a common, annoying, and sometimes disabling problem for boaters and divers. Motion sickness is a complex phenomenon that involves the cerebellum (the part of the brain that controls, among other things, balance), vestibular system (labyrinth of the inner ear that plays a major role in the control of equilibrium), the nerve connections between the eyes and the inner ear, and the gastrointestinal tract. It is made worse by alcohol ingestion, emotional upset, noxious odors (e.g., boat exhaust fumes), and inner ear injury or infection. Most persons adapt to real motion after a few days, but may require treatment until they are adjusted to the environment.
1. Keep your eyes fixed on a steady point in the distance. If on board a ship, stay on deck. Splash your face with cold water. If the seas are rough, be careful to not slip or fall overboard. If you can have someone next to you who is not suffering, that is better than leaning over the rail by yourself to vomit when you are dizzy.
