Understanding Similarities and Differences Between Concussion and Motion Sickness

Understanding Concussion and Motion Sickness

Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head. They can result in a variety of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, confusion, and nausea. Motion sickness is a condition that arises from the perceived mismatch between visual cues and physical motion. Both concussion and motion sickness can result in similar vestibular and cognitive symptoms.

Causes of Concussion

Concussions most often occur from impacts to the head or whiplash-type injuries. Common causes include:

• Contact sports like football, hockey, boxing, and martial arts
• Falls, especially in young children and the elderly
• Car accidents
• Physical violence and abuse
• Accidental head trauma from hits by objects

The brain can bounce around or twist inside the skull during an impact, straining and damaging brain cells and tissues. Even what seems like a mild bump to the head can cause concussion.

Causes of Motion Sickness

Motion sickness occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals from the inner ear, eyes, and sensory nerves. Anything that disturbs the inner ear can trigger it, such as:

• Riding in cars, airplanes, boats, amusement park rides
• Looking at moving screens like movies, games, VR
• Trying to read or work in a moving vehicle
• Walking or moving through visual simulations that conflict with actual motion

During these activities, the eyes detect motion but the inner ear does not detect matching movement. This confuses the brain and can lead to nausea, dizziness, and disorientation.

Symptoms of Concussion vs. Motion Sickness

Concussion and motion sickness share some similar vestibular and cognitive symptoms. However, concussions also impact brain function in other ways.

Shared Symptoms

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Poor concentration and memory
• Disorientation and confusion
• Vision problems like blurred or double vision
• Difficulty with balance and coordination

These symptoms arise because both concussion and motion sickness disrupt the vestibular system. This system includes the inner ear and brain regions that control balance and spatial orientation.

Concussion-Specific Symptoms

Concussions can also lead to symptoms like:

• Loss of consciousness
• Slurred speech
• Sensitivity to light and sounds
• Ringing in the ears
• Changes in taste and smell
• Mood changes like irritability and anxiety
• Problems concentrating and with memory

These arise from more widespread effects of concussion on brain function, including direct damage to brain cells.

Complications of Concussion

Concussions can sometimes lead to serious long-term complications, especially if not properly treated and managed. Some potential complications include:

Post-Concussion Syndrome

Post-concussion syndrome refers to concussion symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and fatigue that persist for weeks or months after the initial injury. It occurs in around 20-30% of concussion cases.

Post-Traumatic Vertigo

Post-traumatic vertigo involves prolonged vertigo (feeling like the room is spinning) after a concussion. It arises from damage to the vestibular system. Vertigo may come and go but can impact balance and coordination.

Second Impact Syndrome

Second impact syndrome is a life-threatening condition caused by sustaining a second head injury before fully recovering from a concussion. The second blow causes the brain to rapidly swell, increasing intracranial pressure. It requires emergency medical treatment.

Cumulative Effects

Research shows that sustaining multiple concussions over time can increase risks for various problems. These include prolonged post-concussion syndrome, memory and thinking problems, and earlier onset of dementia and CTE.

PTSD

Some people develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a concussion, especially if it was caused by a traumatic event like a violent accident. PTSD involves anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance of trauma reminders.

Depression

The effects of concussion on brain function can contribute to development of depression. Depression may also arise from the stresses of post-concussion symptoms and injury recovery.

Treatment for Concussion

Treating concussion involves managing symptoms as the brain heals and avoiding further injury. Some key elements include:

Rest

Rest is crucial after concussion to allow the brain to recover. People are advised to avoid mentally challenging activities, screens, and physical exertion until concussion symptoms resolve.

Medications

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen can help manage headaches. Medications may also be prescribed for problems like sleep difficulties, dizziness, anxiety, and depression.

Graduated Return to Normal Activities

People recovering from concussion should gradually return to their regular activities once symptoms improve. This means starting with light physical and mental activity and slowly increasing toward normal levels.

Healthcare Provider Follow-Ups

Regularly meeting with a healthcare provider helps monitor recovery progress and watch for potential complications. Providers may recommend vestibular therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and other concussion therapies as needed.

Avoiding Second Impacts

It is extremely dangerous to sustain another head injury while recovering from concussion. People should avoid contact sports and other activities that carry a risk of head trauma until fully recovered.

Preventing and Managing Motion Sickness

Strategies for preventing and alleviating motion sickness include:

Avoid Triggers

Avoiding known motion sickness triggers like boats, amusement park rides, and winding car rides prevents symptoms.

Medications

Over-the-counter motion sickness medications like Dramamine and Bonine can help prevent and reduce nausea and dizziness.

Focus on the Horizon

Looking out at the stable, fixed horizon when traveling helps orient the vestibular system and reduces motion sickness.

Fresh Air

Getting fresh air and cooling down helps relieve motion sickness symptoms. This could involve opening a window, going outside, or using air conditioning.

Ginger

Consuming ginger teas, candies, or supplements seems to help alleviate motion sickness for some people.

Habituation

Repeated gradual exposure to motion, like short boat rides or gentle spins, can help "train" the brain to adapt and become less susceptible to motion sickness triggers.

The Bottom Line

Concussion and motion sickness share some common vestibular system symptoms but have different underlying causes. Concussion arises from injury and physical trauma to the brain, while motion sickness stems from sensory mismatch signals. Both should be evaluated and managed with appropriate treatments tailored to the specific conditions and causes.

Being aware of the similarities and differences between concussion and motion sickness allows people to recognize each condition properly and get the care needed to alleviate symptoms, facilitate recovery, and prevent potential complications. Consulting a healthcare provider can help determine appropriate self-care strategies and treatments.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.