Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

What is the primary treatment recommended for motion sickness?

1. Dimenhydrinate

2. Hyoscine

3. Meclizine

4. Ondansetron

The correct answer is: Hyoscine

The primary treatment recommended for motion sickness is hyoscine, also known as scopolamine. It is an anticholinergic medication that works by blocking the action of acetylcholine in the vestibular system, the part of the inner ear involved in balance and spatial orientation. When administered, hyoscine helps prevent the signals that lead to nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness. This makes it particularly effective when used as a transdermal patch, which offers a convenient and sustained release of the medication over time, ideal for long trips or journeys. While dimenhydrinate and meclizine are also commonly used to alleviate symptoms of motion sickness, they primarily serve as antihistamines and may not be as effective for some patients compared to hyoscine. Ondansetron, on the other hand, is more commonly used for nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy and surgery rather than for motion sickness specifically. Thus, hyoscine is favored in clinical practice for its targeted action and efficacy in preventing motion sickness.