Short answer
Often, yes. Motion sickness comes from sensory conflict: your inner ear, eyes and body report different motion, as when reading in a moving car1. Some people are highly susceptible, and others become more sensitive after a vestibular disorder or concussion, or with migraine. Graded habituation, repeated controlled exposure to motion, is one of the most effective non-drug ways to build tolerance1.
Answered by Dr. Manan Patel, PT, DPT, TPS, Certified Vestibular Specialist and Therapeutic Pain Specialist. Updated October 18, 2026.
Why do some adults get motion sick so easily?
Susceptibility varies widely and is higher in people with migraine, after vestibular disorders and concussion, and with anxiety about travel1. New or worsening motion sickness after an inner ear problem or head injury deserves an evaluation, because treating the underlying problem often helps.
How does vestibular habituation build motion tolerance?
Short, repeated exposures to the motion that provokes symptoms, kept below the point of nausea and increased gradually, teach the brain to resolve the sensory conflict2. In the clinic that can include head movements, visual motion on a screen and balance tasks; at home it extends to short passenger rides.
What practical tips help while you train?
- Sit in the front seat or drive, and look at the horizon
- Avoid reading or scrolling while moving
- Keep air flowing and avoid heavy meals before travel
- Ask your physician about medicines for occasional trips; they do not build long-term tolerance
Where can I get motion sickness therapy near Alpharetta or Cumming?
We see adults with motion sensitivity from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Cumming and Suwanee. Your first 60-minute visit tests the inner ear, eye movements and balance to find what is driving the sensitivity.
Where can I get help in Alpharetta, Cumming and nearby?
Dr. Manan Patel, PT, DPT, TPS and our team of physical therapists see patients from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell, Cumming, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Buford, Duluth and Forsyth County at two North Atlanta clinics. Every visit is 60 minutes, one-on-one, and urgent appointments are available within 48 hours. We are in-network with Traditional Medicare, BCBS / Anthem and Tricare, and offer a $129 rate per visit for self-pay and out-of-network plans. Not sure where to start? Take the free symptom self-check, or visit our Alpharetta clinic or Cumming clinic page.
Cumming clinic
Off GA-400 Exit 13 on Peachtree Parkway
Cumming, GA 30041
Alpharetta clinic
Inside Georgia Brain & Spine Physical Therapy
Alpharetta, GA 30022
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References
- Golding JF. Motion sickness. Handbook of Clinical Neurology. 2016.
- Hall CD, et al. Vestibular Rehabilitation for Peripheral Vestibular Hypofunction: An Updated Clinical Practice Guideline. Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy. 2022.
This answer is general education, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an examination. If you have new or worsening symptoms, contact your doctor. Call 911 for sudden severe dizziness with trouble speaking, weakness, numbness, double vision or a severe headache.
