Experimenter is a magazine created by EAA for people who build airplanes. We will report on amateur-built aircraft as well as ultralights and other light aircraft.
Issue link: http://experimenter.epubxp.com/i/142883
L i g h t P l a n e Wor l d anything. Dramamine and Bonine are widely used nonprescription drugs to prevent motion sickness, but they must be taken in advance of the flight. They are antihistamines that work mainly by causing drowsiness, sometimes too much of it, and they make some folks feel too sick to enjoy the trip or take flight instruction. The spice ginger root has some antinausea properties. You can get it in capsules, a chewing gum, drinks and tea, and as crystalized ginger (a candied version used in cooking). Though not as potent as other drugs, it can be used by pilots because it does not cause drowsiness. The TV show MythBusters has determined that ginger spice is effective. It should be consumed well before the sausages and pancakes, not after them and just before takeoff. Phenergen (promethazine) is prescription antihistamine used to treat allergies, insomnia, and nausea from a variety of medical conditions and is also effective for motion sickness. Zofran, which is used for nausea from chemotherapy, causes less drowsiness than others. It has the advantage that it can last for 24 hours and is very effective for motion sickness. Ondansetron is the more affordable generic version. Most people tolerate it very well, and according to Dr. Blue, it is the preferred choice if you are going to take a prescription medication for motion sickness. Scopolamine is very effective and is available as a slow-release, transdermal patch (Scopoderm TTS) similar to the nicotine patches used to stop smoking. It must be applied at least 4 hours before the flight and is effective up to 72 hours. Avoid getting any in your eyes as it will cause dilated pupils for days. The patch requires a doctor's prescription. Side effects include drowsiness and blurred vision. Some users report unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. The patch will work for flying but is better suited for sea cruises or other long trips. The Cure in Your Wrist It has been discovered that when the median nerve in the wrist is stimulated externally with acupuncture or a weak electrical current, the peristaltic wave motions in the stomach associated with nausea can be blocked. The simplest device to incorporate this principle is the widely available Sea-Band, an elastic wristband with a button positioned to deliver an acupressure effect to your wrist. A similar product at www.BioBands.com uses Velcro to allow for better adjustment of the tension. Dr. Blue said it works under 36 Vol.2 N o.7 / July 2013 certain conditions if positioned correctly and if you help by constantly massaging the button to stimulate the nerve. Just like an acupuncture needle, it has to be doing something to actually stimulate the nerve, and that's the problem. It's hard to do, not practical for the pilot, and after a while it begins to hurt. It might be worth a try for around $10. The Reletex (formerly Relief Band) is an electronic device to stimulate the median nerve with an electric current. The FDA calls it a neuromodulating device, which is similar to the transdermal electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) units used to treat muscle pain. When functioning correctly, you will feel a mild tingle in the palm or the middle and index fingers. A small dab of conductivity gel on your wrist helps transmit the current. Designed for the medical environment, it is FDA approved to treat nausea from chemotherapy, pregnancy, and motion sickness and is said to be 100 percent effective for about 70 percent of the patients. There are no side effects and it's legal for pilots. It can be turned on or off as needed and does not have to be used in advance of the flight like oral medications. Unlike most medications it will work after the nausea and