1. Motion Sickness

Although motion sickness is a widespread problem that seems to have been around forever, there is a tendency to play down its significance. There are those who suggest that it does not play a vital role in the community as a whole or in the military in particular. Others describe it as “wimpish” and not worthy of attention. These attitudes are quite wrong. Motion sickness, is a motion adaptation syndrome, that should be recognised for what it is, namely, a maladaptation to novel provocative motion environments. It is a normal protective mechanism that can be managed effectively if we make the effort to understand its various features. It is also important to realise that these efforts will pay significant dividends in terms of time and money. Those who are fortunate have an easy transition to various forms of travel, whereas others have some difficulty in adapting to the protective responses that are incurred. With understanding and help, these problems can be overcome. I propose to begin this review of motion sickness by examining the very basic aspects of this syndrome that can beset us when we venture to travel other than on our own two feet and, when exposed to “vehicular” motion, begin to adapt to this new world.