Proposed mechanisms and treatment strategies for motion sickness disorder: a case series

Abstract

Objective To present an overview of symptomatic motion sickness disorder and to propose allopathic and chiropractic approaches for treatment. Clinical Features Three representative cases are presented involving patients with motion sickness. All 3 patients had suffered from this condition throughout their lives. A discussion of the hypothesis of sensory conflict as a causative factor in cases of motion sickness is offered. Intervention and Outcome Following methods founded in applied kinesiology and using spinal and cranial manipulative treatment, the patients were able to travel long distances without nausea, sickness, or dizziness. The evaluation of these patients' responses to treatment was determined by the doctor's observation, the patients' subjective description of symptoms while riding in a motor vehicle, a visual analog scale for neck and associated pain, and applied kinesiology chiropractic physical assessment tools. Conclusion Further studies into chiropractic manipulative treatments for sensory conflict and proprioceptive dysfunctions associated with the problem of motion sickness are indicated. The hypothesis of sensory conflict as the cause of motion sickness should be explored more fully by other chiropractic physicians and researchers.