Motion Sickness Susceptibility Over the Lifespan
Contrary to what many people might expect, susceptibility to motion sickness generally peaks between the ages of 7 and 12, then declines through adulthood. This decline is often attributed to the brain's ability to adapt and habituate to conflicting sensory information over time. However, the relationship between motion sickness and aging is not always a simple downward curve. For some individuals, a recurrence or even an increase in severity of motion sickness can occur in later life. This phenomenon is often rooted in age-related physiological changes that impact the body's balance system.
The Role of the Aging Vestibular System
The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, is a critical component of our body's balance and motion-sensing network. As we age, this system undergoes natural deterioration, which can disrupt the body's ability to process and reconcile sensory information correctly. This age-related vestibular decline is a key factor in why motion sickness can re-emerge or worsen in older adults.
- Loss of Nerve Cells and Receptors: With age, the number of nerve cells in the inner ear decreases, and there is a gradual loss of vestibular performance. This reduces the quality of motion-sensing signals sent to the brain.
- Degeneration of Otoconia: The inner ear's otolith organs contain tiny calcium carbonate crystals called otoconia, which help sense linear acceleration and gravity. Over a person's lifetime, these crystals can degenerate and fragment, leading to conditions like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), which increases susceptibility to motion-induced dizziness and nausea.
- Central Nervous System Changes: Aging also affects how the central nervous system processes sensory information. Older adults may rely more on proprioceptive feedback (from muscles and joints) and less on visual and vestibular cues, which can impact postural control and balance.
Other Factors Influencing Adult-Onset Motion Sickness
The inner ear is not the only system involved. A variety of other age-related changes can contribute to increased motion sickness and related symptoms.
- Changes in Vision: Declining eyesight and other vision issues common in older age, such as cataracts, can create a greater conflict between the eyes and the inner ear. This sensory mismatch is a primary driver of motion sickness. Binocular vision dysfunction (BVD), which involves a slight misalignment of the eyes, can also cause or worsen motion sickness symptoms.
- Medication Side Effects: Many prescription and over-the-counter medications taken by older adults can have side effects that affect balance, vision, or cause drowsiness, increasing the risk of motion sickness. This is particularly true for those taking multiple medications. Examples include some antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications.
- New or Pre-existing Conditions: Certain medical conditions become more prevalent with age and can increase motion sickness susceptibility. These include: migraines, Meniere's disease, and other vestibular disorders. A pre-existing history of migraine, in particular, is strongly associated with an elevated risk.
- Hormonal Fluctuations: For women, hormonal changes associated with menopause may contribute to an increased risk of motion sickness, echoing the increased susceptibility seen during pregnancy.
Comparison of Motion Sickness Factors by Age Group
To better understand the differences, the following table compares key factors influencing motion sickness susceptibility in children versus older adults.
| Factor | Children (Ages 2-12) | Older Adults |
|---|---|---|
| Incidence | High susceptibility, with a peak around ages 7-12. | Typically reduced susceptibility compared to peak childhood years, but can increase later in life. |
| Cause | Immature nervous system and developing coordination between senses. | Deterioration of the inner ear's vestibular system, changes in vision, and other age-related health conditions. |
| Brain Processing | The brain is still learning how to process and contextualize sensory inputs from the eyes and inner ear. | The brain may compensate for declines, but a multi-sensory deficit can overwhelm the system, especially in novel motion environments. |
| Hormonal Influence | Less significant, though changes during puberty can affect symptoms in susceptible individuals. | Fluctuations during menopause can increase risk in some women. |
| Contributing Conditions | Few additional medical conditions typically contribute. | Increased risk from conditions like BPPV, migraines, diabetes, and side effects from multiple medications. |
| Adaptation | High capacity for habituation, often outgrowing the problem in teenage years. | Compensatory capacity may decrease, making adaptation to new motion environments more challenging. |
Managing Motion Sickness as You Age
If you notice that motion sickness is becoming more frequent or severe, several strategies can help manage and reduce your symptoms:
- Consult a Physician: Since multiple health conditions can cause similar symptoms to motion sickness, it's crucial to consult a doctor to rule out underlying issues and review medications. Conditions like BPPV are often treatable.
- Adjust Seating: When traveling, choose seating where you can best see the horizon. This helps align visual and inner ear cues. For example, sit in the front seat of a car, over the wing of an airplane, or on the upper deck near the middle of a boat.
- Use Visual Fixation: Fix your gaze on a stable, distant object, such as the horizon. Avoid reading books or looking at screens, which can intensify the sensory conflict.
- Over-the-Counter Remedies: Medications like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine (Bonine) are common options, but older adults should use them cautiously due to potential side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. Always consult a healthcare provider before taking new medication.
- Prescription Options: For more severe cases, a physician might prescribe medications like scopolamine patches.
- Natural and Alternative Approaches: Ginger (in capsules, tea, or candy) and acupressure wristbands are non-pharmaceutical options that some people find helpful. While evidence of their effectiveness is mixed, they are generally safe to try.
- Vision Correction: If vision problems are a contributing factor, specialized lenses or vision therapy could help correct eye misalignment and reduce symptoms.
Conclusion
While the stereotype of motion sickness is associated with childhood, the question of whether can motion sickness get worse with age is a valid concern for many adults. The answer is nuanced: while many people become more tolerant, some individuals experience a resurgence of symptoms due to a combination of age-related declines in the vestibular and visual systems, hormonal shifts, and the influence of new medications or health conditions. By understanding the root causes and adopting appropriate management strategies, older adults can effectively navigate the challenges of motion sickness and continue to travel comfortably. For personalized advice, a consultation with a healthcare professional is always recommended.
