Optokinetic stimulation efficiency for sea sickness treatment

Abstract

Background: Sea sickness is the type of motion sickness induced by maritime transport. Its prevention through optokinetic exercises is efficient. The object of this study is to evaluate the efficiency experienced by the patients as well as the impact on other motion sicknesses.

Materials and methods: One hundred and forty-one patients underwent optokinetic treatment methods between 2006 and 2014. The following parameters were studied and scored on a numeric scale: sea sickness, intensity of vomiting and ability to hold position and duties on board.

Results: Study parameters significantly improved by optokinetic reeducation method. Sea sickness was reduced by a factor of 2. Study settings were also stable over years. Other motion sicknesses were also improved with this optokinetic stimulation.

Conclusions: Treating sea sickness by optokinetic stimulation reeducation gives good results particularly improving its related clinical manifestations, therefore allowing seamen to properly hold their functions on board. Its efficiency lasts in time and seems promising for the management of other motion sicknesses.

Keywords: motion sickness; optokinetic stimulation; sea sickness; sensory conflict.