The Exhausted Brain Theory: An Energy-Based Framework for Understanding Visually Induced Motion Sickness

Diego Monteiro, Hai-Ning Liang

2025

Abstract

Visually Induced Motion Sickness (VIMS) poses a persistent challenge in various scenarios, from virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) to transportation and simulation-based training. Existing theories, such as sensory conflict and postural instability, offer partial insights but fail to fully explain the metabolic and cognitive dynamics underlying VIMS. This paper introduces the Exhausted Brain Theory, which proposes that VIMS arises from excessive energy demands on the brain as it recalibrates internal models to resolve conflicting sensory inputs. Drawing from computational neuroscience, information theory, and energy metabolism, the theory highlights how sensory conflicts overwhelm neural processing, deplete energy reserves, and disrupt predictive coding mechanisms. We discuss implications for modeling, detection, and mitigation of VIMS, including energy-efficient VR design, targeted acclimatization protocols, and personalized interventions. By integrating diverse perspectives, this theory provides a unifying framework to advance understanding of VIMS and guide future research on its prevention and management.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Monteiro D. and Liang H. (2025). The Exhausted Brain Theory: An Energy-Based Framework for Understanding Visually Induced Motion Sickness. In Proceedings of the 20th International Joint Conference on Computer Vision, Imaging and Computer Graphics Theory and Applications - Volume 1: HUCAPP; ISBN 978-989-758-728-3, SciTePress, pages 627-638. DOI: 10.5220/0013317000003912

in Bibtex Style

@conference{hucapp25,
author={Diego Monteiro and Hai-Ning Liang},
title={The Exhausted Brain Theory: An Energy-Based Framework for Understanding Visually Induced Motion Sickness},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 20th International Joint Conference on Computer Vision, Imaging and Computer Graphics Theory and Applications - Volume 1: HUCAPP},
year={2025},
pages={627-638},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013317000003912},
isbn={978-989-758-728-3},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 20th International Joint Conference on Computer Vision, Imaging and Computer Graphics Theory and Applications - Volume 1: HUCAPP
TI - The Exhausted Brain Theory: An Energy-Based Framework for Understanding Visually Induced Motion Sickness
SN - 978-989-758-728-3
AU - Monteiro D.
AU - Liang H.
PY - 2025
SP - 627
EP - 638
DO - 10.5220/0013317000003912
PB - SciTePress