Motion Sickness

[My Flight Surgeon]

This is the sixteenth of a series of threads regarding the history portion of the FAA Form 8500-8 that you complete every time you get a flight physical. For the vast majority of you, this will be just informational and you will not be affected. As with many of the conditions discussed here and elsewhere in these threads, there is a requirement for the pilot to provide medical records and physician documentation regarding the medical condition being reported. I would suggest that if you are unsure of how to answer these questions in Item 18, you discuss them with your AME before you complete the form. Some things may not be significant while others will require explanation.


Item 18.q. Motion sickness requiring medication

Motion sickness is a common problem. A careful history concerning the nature of the sickness, frequency and need for medication is indicated when the applicant responds affirmatively to this item. Because motion sickness varies with the nature of the stimulus, it is most helpful to know if the problem has occurred in flight or under similar circumstances. As always, the airman must submit all pertinent medical information and current status report for review. If the motion sickness occurred during flight training and resolved then the AME may issue the medical certificate. If it requires medication then the decision regarding the medical certificate lies with the FAA. The only treatment that we know is acceptable for motion sickness is ginger root, an herbal therapy. The dose is 250 mg. at least an hour before inducing the symptoms.