Motion and flight sickness is a common problem for both civilians and pilots. Studies have shown the incidence of flight sickness in military personnel to be fairly common, and potentially disruptive.
Motion and flight sickness is a common problem for both civilians and pilots. Studies have shown the incidence of flight sickness in military personnel to be fairly common, and potentially disruptive. Many countries with Air Force personnel have some sort of rehabilitation program for their pilots with flight or simulator sickness. The documented recovery or return to flight rate for these rehabilitation programs is between 70-88%. There are however, a number of desensitization programs designed to help civilian, commercial, and military pilots overcome their motion sickness and return to flight duty.
The cause of flight or simulator sickness can vary from individual to individual. Frequently it is caused by a sensory mis-match: the sense that one is moving more, less or in a different direction than what is actually occurring. This mismatch causes the symptoms of motion sickness: fatigue, nausea and vomiting, headache and confusion. There may in addition be a vestibular (inner ear) pathology that contributes to the symptoms. There is some documentation and research that suggests certain individuals are more sensitive to acquiring motion sickness than others. Motion sickness can be quite disabling, especially if one operates a moving vehicle, boat or aircraft for a living.
The good news is that you can desensitize yourself to the symptoms. The National Dizzy and Balance Center is one of many organizations that has developed a series of exercises to directly address the symptoms of motion sickness and the causes of the sensory mismatch. Therapists will determine the appropriate starting point for the program and assist in progressing through the phases of the exercises. Most of the work can be done independently, with occasional phone or email check-ins with the therapists. Occasionally, it may be necessary for you to return to the therapists for additional testing if required by your employer, or if you need specific assistance with progressing through the phases of the program. You may feel worse for a few weeks before you begin to feel better! This is a normal part of the desensitization process and occurs because the exercises challenge your balance systems to recalibrate themselves.
If you have experienced prolonged motion sickness while in a simulator, or while flying, their program may be of benefit for you. For more information, visit their website at www.stopdizziness.com
Contributed by Jennifer Ginkel
I am Wayne, a career air traffic controller. Engage me while I share my thoughts, experience, and news from the aviation world. 
