Many healthy people experience motion sickness (MS), especially when using modern modes of transport. Studies have shown that passengers engaged in non-driving-related tasks -such as reading or typing- are particularly susceptible to MS and that even mild symptoms can decrease cognitive multitasking performance. With the advent of autonomous vehicles, this is likely to become even more of an issue.
MS is caused when the vestibular, proprioceptive and visual systems (which together control our balance, spatial awareness and sense of movement) conflict with each other in what is classically known as the sensory conflict or neural mismatch theory. Existing treatments for this have drawbacks. Often medical interventions (e.g. over-the-counter antiemetic compounds containing antihistamines and anticholinergics) suppress normal vestibular sensations or brain cortical processes and can induce drowsiness. Behavioural treatments (e.g. deep breathing, pressure on wrists with acupuncture bracelets) often do not work or only work for some subjects or in certain situations.
Palaniappan Ramaswamy and his team in the School of Computing are exploring a relatively new technique to treat MS called vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). They hope to show for the first time that VNS stimulation reduces the symptoms of visually induced motion sickness. They will use extensive evidence from behavioural (questionnaire), brain (multi-channel electroencephalogram, EEG covering the entire scalp) and heart (electrocardiogram) data to confirm the findings. As Palaniappan explains, ‘Our findings, if positive, will potentially mark a significant step into preventing or slowing the onset of motion sickness, an incurable malady. Together, it is hoped that VNS will be safe, reliable and effective tool with potentially important therapeutic implications for motion sickness. Such a tool is not limited to MS but could potentially be useful in mitigating other ailments such as vertigo, tinnitus, pain, anxiety etc.’
This project is funded by Kent’s Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) scheme. IAAs are institutional awards that have been introduced by Research Councils within UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to deliver funding mechanisms for knowledge exchange and impact activities.