A study at Imperial College in London shows that using electricity to stimulate part of the brain may reduce symptoms of motion sickness. Still in its early stages, research shows the new treatment could replace travel pills, which relieve symptoms, but also cause sleepiness.
Motion Sickness
Motion sickness, also referred to as travel sickness, is a condition that results when our brain receives mixed messages coming from the eyes and ears while we are moving. The symptoms are debilitating for some people, and include dizziness, severe nausea, and cold sweats.
Using Electricity To Shock Motion Sicknesses Out of the Brain
The team of scientists at Imperial College investigated the use of electrical treatment on the brain in order to treat motion sickness. Mild currents were applied to the part of the brain responsible for processing motion signals. This application would help the brain reduce the impact of the confusing signals, thus preventing the issue that causes symptoms attributed to motion sickness.
The ‘Chunder Chair’ Study
The study placed volunteers in the “chunder chair,”which was developed by Dr. Qadeer Arshad, the lead researcher. The “chunder chair” is a device that simulates a spinning movement very similar to a whirling carnival ride. Participants wore electrodes on their heads, which emitted electrical currents to alter brain activity. Then they all headed to the chair for a “ride.” The study found that participants were less likely to feel sick and recovered quicker after receiving electrical treatment.
Travel By Plane, Car, or Boat Pill Free and Fully Conscious
“The best comparison is with the best known drug scopolamine,” Dr. Arshad told BBC News about the study’s results. “We showed in essence that it’s equivalent to scopolamine, but that drug knocks you out, it puts you to sleep.”
Dr. Arshad says brain stimulation has no known side effects and is an easy method to develop.
He continued, “Within the next couple of years people will be able to use these devices – it’s not that far away. You can envisage on a cross-Channel ferry, having a small area where if you feel sick this could be applied by a trained person.”
