Motion sickness: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for dizziness or vomiting accompanied by weakness on one side, difficulty speaking, loss of consciousness, severe chest pain, serious breathing difficulty, or symptoms after a significant head injury.

   These are not typical signs of motion sickness.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek prompt medical help if:

   • Vomiting continues and you cannot keep fluids down
   • Urination becomes very limited or other signs of dehydration develop
   • Dizziness or imbalance continues well after the journey
   • Symptoms happen when you are not moving
   • There is new hearing loss, ringing in one ear, or severe ear pain
   • Episodes include a new or unusually severe headache

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is vomiting and cannot keep fluids down
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange routine medical advice if motion-related symptoms are becoming more frequent, are interfering with necessary travel, or are not controlled by practical measures.

   Advice is also appropriate before choosing medicine for a young child, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or when you have other health conditions or take regular medicines.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Motion sickness. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.