What causes motion sickness in aviation?

Motion sickness in aviation is primarily caused by conflicting messages sent to the brain regarding the body's state. When a person is in a moving vehicle, such as an aircraft, their inner ear (which helps regulate balance) receives one set of signals about movement. However, the eyes may receive different information, especially if the person is reading or looking at the cabin instead of focusing out the window. This discrepancy between visual and vestibular signals confuses the brain, resulting in symptoms of motion sickness such as dizziness, nausea, and discomfort.

Other factors like cabin conditions, such as exhaust fumes or noise, may contribute to discomfort but are not the primary cause of motion sickness. High altitudes can also lead to other physiological effects but do not directly cause the sensory conflict that drives motion sickness. Understanding this conflict is crucial for addressing and mitigating motion sickness in aviation environments.