Researchers aim to diminish motion sickness with electrical current

So long to sea, vehicle and flying sickness, scientists have found that motion sickness could be cured by an electric shock to the brain.

While we are in motion, whether on a boat, in a auto or in a plane, our brain is confused by the signals it receives.

Motion sickness is a miserable experience, with sufferers having nausea, dizziness and cold sweats from the rocking of a boat, the swaying of a auto or the swooping of a roller coaster.

In order to better understand the process, the research team at the Imperial College London proposed that the vestibular system is stimulated with tDCS or transcranial direct current stimulation.

Researchers showed that by applying a mild electrical current to the scalp can dampen responses in an area of the brain that is responsible for processing motion signals. He also suggests that the treatment could be integrated into smartphones, which could deliver the small electrical impulses through a wire plugged into the headphone jack. These confusing inputs are thought to cause the symptoms associated with motion sickness. For their research, led by Dr Qadeer Arshad from the Department of Medicine, they applied a mild electrical current to the scalp of 20 participants.

The technique offers a safe and effective method of dealing with motion sickness.

Research was conducted using volunteers wearing electrodes on their scalps for ten minutes before being exposed to motion sickness-inducing conditions using a motorized rotating chair.

‘In either case, you would temporarily attach small electrodes to your scalp before travelling – on a cross channel ferry, for example.

He says the currents involved are very small and there is no reason to expect any adverse effects. The study collaborator continues, “That’s all very well if you are on a short journey or a passenger, but what about if you work on a cruise ship and need to deal with motion sickness whilst continuing to work?”

Yet, considering the conventional treatments for motion sickness are based on medication that prompts side effects such as sleepiness, the researchers are convinced this new therapy is a beam of hope.

British researchers say such a device may soon be at hand.

An experienced freelance writer, videographer and television producer, Ben’s interest in all forms of innovation is particularly fanatical when it comes to human-powered transportation, film-making gear, environmentally-friendly technologies and anything that’s designed to go underwater.

Dr Arshad said: “From other studies we also have evidence that stimulating the brain in this way can enhance attention and concentration”. He said the treatment can help people of different vocations such as “students and people who spend long periods playing computer games”.