Motion sickness and sopite syndrome associated with parabolic flights: a case report

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this paper was to provide an extensive description of a case of sopite syndrome, a manifestation of motion sickness scarcely described in the literature.

Design: The following questionnaires were used to assess sopite syndrome symptoms pre, during and post parabolic flight; Misery Scale rate, Positive and Negative Affect Scale, the Motion Sickness Assessment Questionnaire and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

Study sample: Case report of a 35-year old female compared to a control group (n = 26).

Results: We describe of sopite syndrome during parabolic flight. The subject reported drowsiness and she noted mood changes such as irritation and annoyance. Furthermore, she was not able to perform her assigned task. Her symptoms escalated into extreme fatigue and the inability to stay awake. Nauseogenic symptoms improved, but soporific symptoms persisted for several hours after the motion stimulus (i.e. parabolic flight).

Conclusions: This case points towards the need for controlled studies to assess the prevalence of this syndrome among the general population and select groups. Future research should focus on developing tests for personnel screening and explore treatment options.

Key Words:

• Motion sickness
• sopite syndrome
• parabolic flight
• vestibular system

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all participants for their cooperation and the following coordinating persons: Vladimir Pletser (European Space Agency), Alexandra Jaquement (Novespace, Bordeaux, France) & Frédéric Gai (Novespace, Bordeaux, France). This work was supported by the European Space Agency (ISLRA 2009-1062 and LS60-3), Belgian Science Policy (Belspo, Prodex) and the Research Foundation Flanders (Belgium – FWO Vlaanderen, grant 11U6414N and 11U6416N). Angelique Van Ombergen is a research fellow for FWO Vlaanderen.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest.