Viper rollercoaster (Photo : Reuters)
Researchers at the Imperial College London issued a statement on September 5, Saturday that provided a possible cure for people with motion sickness, including those who experience dizziness, nausea, cold sweats, and vomiting due to seasickness. They developed a new technique that sends a mild electric current into the scalp, with the shock providing relief before people ride boats, ships, or roller coasters.
The findings were published in the journal Neurology.
Medical researchers did experiments on the effects of mild electrical signals on the motion sickness sufferers. Electrodes were placed on the volunteers' scalps for around 10 minutes, according to Daily Times Gazette.
The volunteers then took a ride on a motorized turning chair that triggered motion sickness. Those who had the treatment of electrical signals were less likely to feel nausea.
The new treatment is effective because it reduces the effect of eyes and ears sending confusing input to the brain, according to Nature World Report. This prevents motion sickness symptoms.
Dr. Qadeer Arshad was the lead researcher. He explained that after a batch of tests his team verified that the new technique is safe and effective, and the electrical devices will later be sold in drugstores.
The tech is already used in transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machines. TENS devices help to reduce back pain.
Researchers might integrate the electric current tech into mobile phones. Headphone jacks would create small electrical currents in the skin's surface.
Scientists think that the new breakthrough is the best solution for motion sickness. Current tablets cause major drowsiness, which can affect the job performance of people working on boats and ships.
Everyone who rides sea vessels and rollercoasters experience a bit of queasiness. However, 30 percent of people suffer the major symptoms of clinical motion sickness, such as dizziness, nausea, and even vomiting.
This video describes the causes of motion sickness:
