Visual-vestibular habituation and balance training for motion sickness.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE This case report describes physical therapy for motion sickness in a 34-year-old woman. The purpose of the report is twofold: (1) to provide an overview of the literature regarding motion sickness syndrome, causal factors, and rationale for treatment and (2) to describe the evaluation and treatment of a patient with motion sickness. CASE DESCRIPTION AND OUTCOMES The patient initially had moderate to severe visually induced motion sickness, which affected her functional abilities and prevented her from working. Following 10 weeks of a primarily home-based program of visual-vestibular habituation and balance training, her symptoms were alleviated and she could resume all work-related activities. DISCUSSION Although motion sickness affects nearly one third of all people who travel by land, sea, or air, little documentation exists regarding prevention or management.