Severe Motion Sickness

[Hemlock]

My 17 year old daughter has suffered from extreme motion sickness since she was a baby. She can just barely make it to school without feeling nauseous (3 miles!). One of the reasons I quit my job when she was younger was because I couldn’t send her to school on the school bus without her throwing up or feeling nauseous. A trip to the mall (again 3 miles) requires driving quickly and praying to hit green lights all the way. Once there, we need to stay at least 45 minutes before she can get back into the car without being sick. She can’t sit in an idling car for more than a few minutes. She also gets sick watching television if there is too much movement on the screen. She throws up at almost every dance class (turning, spinning). She takes Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) several times a week to be able to function normally, but I’m concerned about the long term effects of so much medication. I’ve tried talking to our doctor, he prescribed a drug used to prevent nausea and vomiting in cancer patients and it offered no relief. We’ve tried “sea bands”, ginger candy.... Does anyone here have experience with motion sickness this severe? Any suggestions? Help!

[twowhat?]

I would see a good ENT first and rule out any inner ear issues.

[NCGrandma]

Agree that a good ENT would be a good place to start. If that doesn’t turn up any solutions, i think the next step should be a good ophthalmologist (for this, not an optometrist).


Sent from my iPad using Baby Bargains (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87652)

[petesgirl]

Wow, I'm so sorry she is dealing with that! And for so long! I got vestibular neuritis a few years ago and it was awful. I wonder if an ENT could do vestibular testing on her.

[bnme]

You may want to try an otoneurologist, they specialize in balance and dizziness.

[Hemlock]

Thanks for your responses. At this time, we’re living in a very remote area without access to many specialist, but I am willing to travel in order to get to the bottom of this. Our doctor kept saying that she would “outgrow this”. It is really getting worse instead of better. We’re both tired of planning every errand around her sickness (frequent stops, her walking the last few blocks...)

[liz]

That's a tough way to live (for your daughter and you). I would absolutely see an otolaryngologist (ENT) for a visit. I'm really surprised your doctor brushed off those symptoms since it's really effecting her everyday life. Good luck.

[squimp]

I agree that sounds really rough. I get motion sickness but only under more challenging circumstances. Dramamine works but completely knocks me out, so I would think it's not great for long term use.

What about those sea bands? I have a few oceanographer friends who swear by those.

[essnce629]

Sounds absolutely horrible!!! I agree in seeking out a specialist.

Have you tried motion sickness glasses, patches, or the Reliefband device?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SR1MZFF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_rMH1DbYSXHBV5

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S9FSPOG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_eNH1Db95JX2M1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PG4NUOS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_5GH1DbG8177NM

Sent from my SM-A600P using Tapatalk

[m4nash]

I think you have gotten a lot of good suggestions. I would also get her a full eye exam. Some vision issues can cause motion sickness.

[mmsmom]

I highly recommend the relief band (available on Amazon). I get nauseous in a rocking chair but it’s not as bad as your DD. The Relief Band is the only way I can spend time on a boat. It does not work for me on an airplane though. It’s worth a try to get her some relief while you explore specialist. I definitely think she needs to see an ENT too.

[fauve01]

one thing she can try for the nausea is Umeboshi plums. The naturopath holistic practitioner recommended them when my sister was on medication that make her sick. She said they help a lot and she grew to crave the super salty/briny flavor when she was sick. They are veeeeerrrrryy tart/pickled. My aunt (an MD) took them when pg to help with morning sickness.
https://www.bonappetit.com/story/umeboshi-plum-hangover-cure

http://www.elevatevitality.com.au/why-i-love-umeboshi-plums/

ETA: i am sure she has already had a big work up by a neurologist, right? what did they say?

[NCGrandma]

Thanks for your responses. At this time, we’re living in a very remote area without access to many specialist, but I am willing to travel in order to get to the bottom of this. Our doctor kept saying that she would “outgrow this”. It is really getting worse instead of better. We’re both tired of planning every errand around her sickness (frequent stops, her walking the last few blocks...)

Very frustrating that your doctor hasn’t been more helpful (either him/herself or with referrals). Sounds like you will need to travel, even though that may be a nightmare too, to get a thorough evaluation. Has she had any sort of work up by anyone?

A good children’s hospital with numerous specialists may be your best bet, but it will take planning to put together a team (e.g., including an initial appt with a neurologist or ENT, then if that doesn’t turn up anything, on to the next most likely specialist etc).

If you’re willing to share a general idea of your location or what larger city would be easiest to get to (or maybe where you have family or friends) some BBBers may have more specific suggestions.




Sent from my iPad using Baby Bargains (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87652)