Can you develop motion sickness later in life? Understanding new-onset symptoms

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while less common, susceptibility to motion sickness can increase in a small minority of individuals in old age. This article explores the factors behind new-onset symptoms, explaining why you can develop motion sickness later in life and what you can do about it.

Quick Summary

Yes, motion sickness can develop later in life, often triggered by age-related changes to the inner ear, vision, and central nervous system. Other possible causes include new medications, underlying medical conditions, and increased sensitivity to sensory conflicts. Effective management strategies are available.

Key Points

• Late Onset is Possible: While more common in children, motion sickness can develop or re-emerge later in life due to physiological changes.

• Sensory Conflict is the Root Cause: The primary driver is a mismatch between signals from the inner ear, eyes, and body position sensors, which aging can exacerbate.

• Inner Ear Degeneration: The vestibular system in the inner ear naturally declines with age, impacting balance and sensitivity to motion.

• Underlying Medical Conditions: New symptoms can point to other health problems like migraines, inner ear disorders, or neurological conditions, necessitating a doctor's visit.

• Medications Can Be a Factor: Some common prescriptions for older adults have side effects that increase motion sickness susceptibility.

• Management is Proactive: Effective strategies include focusing on the horizon, choosing optimal seating, and potentially using specific medications or behavioral techniques.

• Rule Out Serious Issues: Always consult a doctor if motion sickness appears suddenly in adulthood to ensure it isn't a symptom of a more serious condition.

Introduction to Late-Onset Motion Sickness

For most people, motion sickness is a childhood issue they eventually outgrow. However, experiencing its symptoms—nausea, dizziness, sweating, and malaise—for the first time as an adult can be alarming. This phenomenon, known as late-onset motion sickness, can significantly impact a person's quality of life and travel habits. Unlike the occasional queasiness that anyone can experience with severe enough motion, persistent or easily-triggered symptoms warrant a closer look at what has changed in the body's complex balancing system.

The Role of the Vestibular System in Aging

The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, is a crucial part of our balance and spatial orientation. It works in tandem with our eyes and proprioceptive system (sensors in our muscles and joints) to tell the brain where our body is in space. Motion sickness occurs when there is a mismatch, or sensory conflict, between the information received from these three systems. As we age, this system undergoes natural, degenerative changes that can upset its delicate balance.

Age-Related Changes in the Inner Ear

• Degeneration of Hair Cells: The tiny hair cells within the semicircular canals and otolith organs of the inner ear are responsible for detecting motion. The number of these cells naturally decreases with age, affecting sensitivity to movement.
• Reduced Blood Flow: Changes in blood vessels can decrease blood flow to the inner ear, impacting the vestibular system's overall function.
• Otoconia Displacement: The otolith organs contain tiny calcium crystals called otoconia. With age, these crystals can loosen and migrate into the semicircular canals, causing Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), a common cause of dizziness in older adults that can trigger motion sickness.

Age-Related Visual and Proprioceptive Changes

The visual system also plays a key role in motion sickness. A decrease in visual acuity, depth perception, or visual processing speed can lead to a greater conflict between what the eyes see and what the inner ears sense. This can make reading in a car or watching certain movies difficult. Similarly, age-related changes to proprioception, such as slower nerve signaling, can further contribute to the sensory mismatch.

Medical Causes and Medication Side Effects

Experiencing motion sickness later in life should always prompt a discussion with a healthcare provider, as it can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying medical issue or a side effect of medication.

Conditions That Can Trigger Motion Sickness

• Vestibular Disorders: Beyond BPPV, other inner ear conditions like Meniere's disease or vestibular neuritis can increase susceptibility.
• Migraines: Individuals prone to migraines are significantly more likely to experience motion sickness. Vestibular migraines can cause severe dizziness, mimicking motion sickness even without a motion stimulus.
• Neurological Conditions: Diseases affecting the brainstem or cerebellum, such as Parkinson's disease, can impair the processing of sensory information and lead to balance issues and motion sickness.
• Cardiovascular Issues: Conditions that affect blood pressure, like orthostatic hypotension, can cause dizziness that is sometimes mistaken for motion sickness.

Medication-Induced Susceptibility

Many medications commonly prescribed to older adults can have side effects that increase the likelihood of motion sickness. These include certain antibiotics, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications. A review of your current prescriptions with your doctor is essential if new-onset symptoms appear.

Practical Management and Treatment Strategies

Treating late-onset motion sickness requires a multi-pronged approach, focusing on understanding the triggers and addressing them proactively. Prevention is always more effective than treating symptoms once they begin.

Non-Pharmacological Interventions

• Visual Stabilization: Focus on the horizon or a distant, stationary object to align visual input with inner ear sensations. Avoid reading or using phones in a moving vehicle.
• Positioning: Choose the best seat to minimize motion. This includes sitting in the front seat of a car, over the wing in an airplane, or mid-ship on a boat.
• Behavioral Techniques: Techniques like controlled breathing, distraction with music, and gradually habituating to motion can help manage symptoms.

Pharmacological Options

Over-the-counter and prescription medications are available, but should be used with caution in older adults due to potential side effects like drowsiness. GoodRx provides a useful resource for comparing options. Common options include:

• Antihistamines: Drugs like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine (Bonine) can be effective. Less-drowsy options like meclizine are often preferred.
• Scopolamine Patches: Prescription patches can be worn behind the ear for up to 72 hours, providing continuous relief.

Comparative Look: Adult-Onset vs. Childhood Motion Sickness

Feature	Childhood Motion Sickness	Adult-Onset Motion Sickness
Primary Cause	Sensory immaturity; vestibular system still developing.	Degenerative changes or underlying medical conditions.
Symptom Pattern	Often outgrown with age and repeated exposure.	Persistent or worsens over time, may indicate other issues.
Triggers	Wide variety of motion stimuli.	May be triggered by specific situations or new factors like vision changes.
Medication Sensitivity	Medications are typically well-tolerated, with dosage based on age.	Higher sensitivity to side effects like drowsiness; careful selection and dosing are required.
Associated Concerns	Usually a benign condition.	May warrant medical evaluation to rule out serious conditions.

Conclusion: Navigating New-Onset Motion Sickness

Developing motion sickness later in life is a real possibility, and it's not a condition to be ignored. While age-related decline in the vestibular and visual systems is a common factor, new-onset symptoms can also be a red flag for underlying medical issues or medication side effects. Seeking professional medical advice is a crucial first step to rule out serious causes and create a tailored management plan. By understanding the causes and adopting preventative measures, individuals can effectively manage their symptoms and regain their quality of life, ensuring future travel and activities remain enjoyable. Staying proactive and informed is key to navigating the challenges of late-onset motion sickness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I suddenly get motion sickness as an adult when I never had it before?

Late-onset motion sickness can occur due to age-related changes in your body, particularly within the inner ear (vestibular system) and visual system. These changes can increase sensory conflict, making you more sensitive to motion you previously tolerated.

Can new medications cause motion sickness later in life?

Yes, many medications can have side effects that trigger or worsen motion sickness. This is especially true for drugs affecting the central nervous system or blood pressure. If you recently started a new prescription, consult your doctor about potential side effects.

Is late-onset motion sickness a sign of a serious illness?

While often benign, new-onset motion sickness in adulthood can occasionally indicate an underlying issue like a vestibular disorder, migraine, or, more rarely, a neurological condition. It is important to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent.

What are some practical tips to prevent motion sickness as a senior?

To prevent symptoms, try focusing on a distant, stable object like the horizon, avoiding reading in a moving vehicle, and choosing seating where motion is minimized (e.g., front seat of a car). Getting fresh air and eating light meals can also help.

Are older adults more sensitive to motion sickness medication?

Yes, older adults can be more sensitive to the side effects of motion sickness medications, especially drowsiness and dry mouth. It is crucial to discuss dosages and potential interactions with a doctor before starting any new medication.

Can inner ear problems lead to late-onset motion sickness?

Yes, conditions like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), where inner ear crystals become dislodged, or other vestibular issues are common causes of dizziness and can trigger motion sickness in older adults.

How can I tell if my dizziness is motion sickness or something else?

Motion sickness is specifically triggered by motion, and symptoms typically resolve when the motion stops. If you experience dizziness or imbalance when stationary, it's more likely due to another condition like vertigo, and you should seek medical advice.