Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 10/20/2008

Question
My problem started 2 yrs ago whilst i was on holiday, I collapsed around the pool and what followed was the most terrifying vertigo. I swayed violentley from side to side for 2 weeks until the tablets took affect. This happened again last year whilst on holiday but didnt seem to last as long. I am writing today as I have just returned from another spoilt holiday, the vertigo hit on the 4th day and i sit here typing this swaying and feeling nausea. I am a travel agent and this as now put me off ever going on another holiday. Please can you tell me is this connected with the flying and if so is there anything that can be done? Thanks lisa

Answer
Dear Lisa,
Was the original incident also after an air flight or were you ever on a boat?  This is not uncommon to experience vertigo after air or boat travel.  This is a form of motion sickness known as "mal de debarquement."  Here is an excellent website with lots of good information and advice: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/motionsickness.html  There are drugs that can be taken prior to travel, such as meclizine and nasal sprays which should be taken about an hour prior to travel, but make sure to consult your physician first to make sure you have no conditions that would prevent you from using any of these drugs.  Also, Where you sit can make a difference. The front seat of a car, forward cars of a train, upper deck on a boat or wing seats in a plane may give you a smoother ride. Looking out into the distance - instead of trying to read or look at something in the vehicle - can also help.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology