Javid, Farideh A.

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University of Huddersfield RepositoryJavid, Farideh A.Take note Matt LeBlanc: here’s the scientific way to beat car sicknessOriginal CitationJavid, Farideh A. (2016) Take note Matt LeBlanc: here’s the scientific way to beat car sickness. The Conversation. This version is available at http://eprints.hud.ac.uk/27152/The University Repository is a digital collection of the research output of theUniversity, available on Open Access. Copyright and Moral Rights for the itemson this site are retained by the individual author and/or other copyright owners.Users may access full items free of charge; copies of full text items generallycan be reproduced, displayed or performed and given to third parties in anyformat or medium for personal research or study, educational or not-for-profitpurposes without prior permission or charge, provided:• The authors, title and full bibliographic details is credited in any copy;• A hyperlink and/or URL is included for the original metadata page; and• The content is not changed in any way.For more information, including our policy and submission procedure, pleasecontact the Repository Team at: E.mailbox@hud.ac.uk.http://eprints.hud.ac.uk/February 5, 2016 10.40am GMTFarideh JavidSenior Lecturer in Pharmacology, Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University ofHuddersfieldTop Gear has a new presenter. Former Friends star Matt LeBlanc is to join the newincarnation of the world famous motoring show.But once the excitement subsides, he will face the prospect of a peril many motorists mustcontend with: car sickness. Only recently, after all, LeBlanc’s co-presenter Chris Evans wasreportedly left looking a little “car sick” after filming a segment for the show.Whatever the truth of the matter, it would hardly be a surprise if the presenters didoccasionally feel a bit icky after zooming round a racetrack in a performance car. Many of usget travel sick – some of us even on a gentle drive down to the shops.There are many theories to explain the cause of this unpleasant condition – and the mostaccepted is the conflict theory. This theory explains a mismatch between the signals thatreach the brain from different sensors in the body.A person in a speeding car, for example, may see the movement with their eyes as thelandscape flashes by. However, the sensors in the joints (proprioreceptors) and in the innerear (the vestibular apparatus) involved in balance might feel the movement differently, sensingthat the person is seated and static – and hence send a conflicting signal to the brain.Feeling squiffy? You’re not alone. ShutterstockTake note Matt LeBlanc: here's the scientific way to beat car sickness http://theconversation.com/take-note-matt-leblanc-heres-the-scientific...1 of 3 09/02/2016 09:06Alternatively, you could be reading a book or looking at the interior of the car, which is mostlystill, while the sensors in the inner ear might sense motion as the car moves up and down hillsor goes around the corners. Again, mixed messages will result.Either way, these conflicting signals go into an area of the brain – the area postrema – whichis responsible for inducing vomiting responses when toxins are ingested or when there is aconflict between the sensory inputs from the inner ear and the visual system. As a result, themost common symptoms of motion sickness are dizziness, fatigue and nausea, which in somecases will lead to vomiting.What can you do?It is unclear why some individuals experience motion sickness while others don’t, but theintegrity of the inner ear certainly plays a crucial role as deaf mutes do not experience anytravel sickness. Motion sickness is also more common in children, pregnant women andpeople who suffer from migraines. Most children grow out of it.If you are a sufferer, there is hope. Keep your body and, in particular, your head as still aspossible. It is better to sit in the front of a car, to keep the car window open and perhaps restyour head on a pillow to minimise movement. Do not let the car get too hot, as heat canaggravate the symptoms, and avoid reading, playing computer games or watching videos,which may add to the conflicting signals.Instead, try to stare at a fixed point above the horizon, not down at the floor. Closing your eyesand sleeping can help. You should also avoid travelling on a full stomach – in particular, fattyand spicy foods won’t help. Make sure you have breaks during your journey. Deep breaths offresh air will also alleviate the symptoms.Many people find that they are less likely to feel car sick if they are driving. For someindividuals, this may be because the mind is occupied and sensory signals are less likely to beconflicted.Is the answer in here? ShutterstockTake note Matt LeBlanc: here's the scientific way to beat car sickness http://theconversation.com/take-note-matt-leblanc-heres-the-scientific...2 of 3 09/02/2016 09:06Is there a magic pill?Travel sickness tablets, such as Hyoscine, can greatly help – and are available over thecounter. Hyoscine patches are also available. If you’re doing the driving, however, be awarethat they can make you sleepy. Antihistamines, such as cinnarizine and cyclizine, can alsohelp. Always consult a doctor before taking medication.Some individuals prefer to use complementary therapies although their effectiveness is notfully proven. Acupressure is widely touted as a way to deal with motion sickness, but thescientific evidence for its usefulness is sketchy at best.Ginger is thought to help with nausea caused by motion sickness and pregnancy, while othersswear by drinking cold Coke. Unfortunately, the only sure way of dealing with car sickness,however, is to walk. Sorry, Mr LeBlanc.Tweet20Share10TravelHealthNauseaWhich one works? ShutterstockTake note Matt LeBlanc: here's the scientific way to beat car sickness http://theconversation.com/take-note-matt-leblanc-heres-the-scientific...3 of 3 09/02/2016 09:06

Take note Matt LeBlanc: here’s the scientific way to beat car sickness

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