What???s Behind ???Cloverfield??? Illness?

[BlackMagicRose]

What?s Behind ?Cloverfield? Illness?
Wave of Nausea Hits Moviegoers
By Michael W. Smith, MD
WebMD Medical News
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

Jan. 24, 2008 -- Scan the news and blogs and not only do you see that Cloverfield had a record-breaking opening weekend, but there was an unforeseen side effect: nausea. And it didn't come from the popcorn, or the writing -- but the camerawork.

In Cloverfield, a giant monster attacks Manhattan. The problem -- at least for those prone to motion sickness -- is that it's all filmed through a very jerky handheld camera.

This had led to reports of nausea and vomiting in theaters across the country. One theater chain has even taken pre-emptive action. AMC Theaters has placed caution signs in hundreds of its theaters around the country warning about possible motion sickness, according to the Los Angeles Times.

"I saw it this weekend and was so sick to my stomach that I had to leave the theater," says Sara Butler, a WebMD programming manager. "I have a friend who's an EMT in New Jersey, and she was called to several theaters this weekend to deal with people who were sick."

While motion sickness is usually caused by plane, boat, or car movement, bumpy camerawork could definitely do it, too.

(Did Cloverfield make you queasy? What other movies have you seen that affected your senses this way? Talk about it on the Health Cafe board.)
What Causes Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness occurs when the brain receives conflicting messages from the inner ear, the eyes, and other parts of the body.

While watching Cloverfield, viewers were sitting still in their seats, so their inner ear was telling their body they were motionless. But the bumpy camera movements -- and their eyes -- misled them into thinking they were moving around erratically.

These conflicting messages to the brain lead to symptoms of motion sickness, most notably nausea. Other symptoms include vomiting, headache, and sweating.
What Is the Treatment for Motion Sickness?

Obviously, the best treatment is to avoid situations that make you sick. But if that's not possible, there are a few things you can try. Also, if you're prone to motion sickness, remember that prevention is best because once symptoms start, relief is tough to find until motion stops.

* If you love cruising but it doesn't love you, choose a center cabin where there is less movement.
* On a boat or ship, stay on the deck and look at the horizon.
* In an airplane, sit near the wings.
* In a car, sit in the front seat and look through the window. Don't read or focus on an object inside the car.
* Drive, don't ride. Drivers are less prone to motion sickness.

Motion Sickness Medications

Medications can be used to suppress the conflicting brain messages. No matter which type of medication you choose, it works best if taken before motion.

* Antihistamines, such as Benadryl, Antivert, and Dramamine, can prevent motion sickness. The main side effect is sedation. Newer, nonsedating antihistamines, such as Claritin, do not work for motion sickness.
* Scopolamine is most commonly used as a patch that's applied every 72 hours. The main side effect is also sedation. For many people, scopolamine appears to be the most effective treatment and may cause less sedation than antihistamines.
* Phenergan relieves nausea and is used to prevent and treat motion sickness.
* Caffeine has been shown to help relieve motion sickness when combined with Phenergan.

Alternative Medicine for Motion Sickness

In one study, 1 to 2 grams of ginger relieved motion sickness in naval cadets. Acupressure has been shown to be effective for motion sickness in some. Though magnets have been touted for relieving motion sickness, there's currently no proof to suggest they're of any benefit.

[Rogue Angel]

... i know someone who passed out in that movie... woke in the floor, with a bloody nose and no idea what happened.... i'm wondering if it doesn't cause more than just nausea... certain types of movement and light activity will also cause seizures in people prone to them....

doesn't sound like something i want to go see. LOL.

[BlackMagicRose]

I actually wanted to see this movie but now I am thinking if I see it I would prefer not to be pregnant and would rather be at home in my living room...LOL. I went to OMSI one time and watched a film where they were moving a lot in Antartica and it was on one of those huge round domed screens and you literally felt like you were on the damn ship in bad weather. Uh yeah...the guy I was with got sea sick in the OMNImax theater...LOL. I did fairly well but I had been out on a rough ocean a few times before in r/t so it didn't effect me as bad as it did him who had never been on a boat...LOL. [img]tongue.gif[/img]