Mal De Debarquement Syndrome (MDDS)

• Balance impairment (rocking, swaying, and bobbing).
• Persistent vertigo, due to height.
• Visual motion intolerance.
• Fatigue.
• Cognitive slowing.
• Confusion.
• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Feeling of tiredness.
• Focus inabilities.

• Gender.

• Age.

• Migraine.

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).

• Meniere’s Disease.

• Blood tests.
• Vestibular function test to check your balance. This test is important in excluding other etiologies for your symptoms.
• Vision tests.
• Hearing exam.
• Imaging scan of our brain.
• MRI scan to ensure your nervous system is okay.

• Medications.
• Clonazepam.

• Diazepam (Valium).
• Histamine blockers or antihistamines (Benadryl).

• Brain Stimulation Therapy. 

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy.
• Lifestyle Self Care.

Symptoms

MDDS SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of mal de debarquement may last anywhere from a month to years. The symptoms may or may not go away with time. However, recurrence of symptoms following another motion experience is typical of MDDS. 

The signs may tend to worsen when a patient is in an enclosed place or is attempting to be motionless, such as lying down in bed. The common symptoms include:

• Feeling of rocking, swaying, or bobbing (unsteady staggering episodes.
• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Feeling of tiredness.
• Persistent vertigo.
• Confusion.
• Difficulty in focusing.

Your symptoms may get worse when you are:

• Tired.
• Stressed.
• On fast movement.
• In an enclosed space.
• Observe flickering lights.
• Trying to be still, like when going to sleep.
• On intense visual activity, like playing video games.

Causes

CAUSES OF MDDS

The real cause of mal de debarquement syndrome is yet unknown. Some researches made believe that the problem is not in the inner but rather in the brain. 

According to them, their explanation is based upon studies that have demonstrated changes in the brain metabolism and functional brain connections of those who have the disorder. 

They resolved that because of these changes, the brain can adapt to an unfamiliar movement but is unable to readapt once the movement has stopped.

The following are some conditions that trigger or lead to MDDS:

• Elevators.
• Water beds.
• Walking on docks.
• Using virtual reality.
• When you have been out on the sea or riding in planes, trains, and cars (motion experiences).

FAQ

How long does mal de debarquement last?

Studies have shown that a short period of MDDS symptoms is common in healthy persons, after prolonged episodes of inactive motions, normally lasting seconds to three days. 

What helps with MDDS?

Low doses of clonazepam, a benzodiazepine medication related to Valium (diazepam), are helpful in most persons with mal de debarquement. There is some worry that these medications may prolong the duration of symptoms (although worry has not been tested by research study).

Can swimming cause MDDS?

Mal de debarquement syndrome is typically by passive motion, cars, trains, airplanes, ships, boats, and fast elevators. Virtual reality, water beds, and even swimming can all cause the disorder.

How do I get rid of MDDS?

Currently, there is no single highly successful treatment approach for ‘mal de debarquement’. Standard drugs prescribed for motion sickness (including meclizine and scopolamine patches) are usually ineffective in stopping or even decreasing the symptoms.

Is MDDS a disability?

The medical definition of disability according to Mosby’s Medical Dictionary is different. It is the loss, absence, or impairment of physical or mental fitness that is observable and measurable. Therein is the difficulty in proving that MDDS qualifies as a disability.

Does exercise help MDDS?

Mal de debarquement exercise and physical therapy seem to help some people with motion-triggered MDDS (about 50%). However, it seems to be less helpful for people with spontaneous MDDS (about 15%). Vestibular rehabilitation seems to help people with motion-triggered MDDS too (about 38%).