Seasickness (mal de mer) is experienced when the signals your brain receives from your sense of balance
contradict what your eyes are seeing. Seasickness, a form of motion sickness is due to erratic stimulation to
the brain from sensory receptors. Motion sickness occurs when the body is subjected to accelerations of movement
in different directions or under conditions where visual contact with the actual outside horizon is lost. This is prompted
by constantly changing movement. Fluid in the ear's semicircular canals moves with the body's motion, and this
stimulates receptors in various parts of the brain. Mixed signals may cause the brain to produce signals causing
headache, dizziness, and nausea and vomiting; all of which are clearly uncalled for. It is much easier to avoid seasickness
than to treat it once it has started. Seasickness may make you feel miserable while you are aboard a boat but it usually
clears up completely once you get back on land. Some people only get sick when their eyes are focused on close work,
such as donning gear, or when working on navigation in an enclosed compartment. Some people associate diesel fumes
with being sick, most likely a psychological stimulus .
How To Treat:
1. Take a preventative before sailing: antihistamines, phenergen & scopolamine patches.
2. Sleep in a cabin towards the middle of the boat or ship.
3. Avoid drinking alcohol, citrus juices, or smoking.
4. Avoid spicy or greasy foods.
5. Avoid strong odors.
6. Avoid overexertion.
7. Avoid tight, cramped spaces.
8. Focus your eyes on the horizon.
9. Take deep, slow breaths (the sea air is wonderful)
10. Don't read. Anything!
11. Nibble on soda crackers.
12. Apply cold packs to your eyes, and the back of the neck,
13. If you become dizzy or nauseous, stay on deck and keep your eyes on the horizon.
14. If you become really ill, lie down on your back and keep your eyes closed.
15. The over the counter medications Dramamine or Bonine can be very effective for short trips or when symptoms
occur intermittently. For longer trips, a prescription medication called Transderm-Scop comes in the form of a
patch can be worn behind the ear for up to three days at a time. Side effects of these medications usually consist
of sedation and dry mouth and people who have glaucoma or urinary obstruction should not take them.
16. Ginger in its various forms can also help--when taken 12-24 hours in advance.
17. Oatmeal, bagels, crusty bread or any food that forms a bolus in the stomach can be helpful.
18. Try antacid tablets or lemon drops.
Emmetrolmay be effective.
Tips For Seasickness:
1. To check whether you are prone to seasickness, try reading in a moving car.
2. Before you go, ask your doctor to prescribe 'patches', worn behind the ear.
3. Seasickness (mal de mer) is caused by your brain's mixed signals from a suddenly moving horizon.
Updated 22 Feb 2008