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Mal De Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS)

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About the Disease

Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS) is a rare disorder that usually develops after travel, especially by sea. It can also occur after long auto or air travel, although this is less common. MdDS is more prevalent in women than men and can significantly impact daily life. Some individuals may develop MdDS without a history of prolonged motion exposure. The intensity of this false sense of motion varies among individuals. Symptoms typically decrease during passive motion, such as in a moving car or airplane, and often disappear completely while driving. Unfortunately, MdDS is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed and may persist for years without proper treatment.

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Symptoms

Common symptoms of Mal de Débarquement include:

  • Rocking
  • Swaying
  • Disequilibrium

Anxiety and depression may accompany these symptoms, but true spinning vertigo is rare. Symptoms tend to intensify in closed spaces or when trying to remain still, such as sitting on a couch or lying down in bed. Stress can exacerbate the symptoms in some individuals. However, continuous movement, such as driving a vehicle, often improves or eliminates the symptoms.

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Diagnosis

To diagnose Mal de Débarquement, a patient must report a history of returning to a normal environment followed by the onset of rocking, swaying, or disequilibrium sensations. Objective diagnostic procedures, such as a full Vertigo Profile Test, should be performed to rule out other causes of the symptoms.

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Treatment

Standard treatments for motion sickness, including meclizine and scopolamine patches, are often ineffective for MdDS. However, several treatments have shown promising results:

  • Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises: These exercises can help alleviate symptoms.
  • Medications: Benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants are sometimes used to treat symptoms.
  • Avoiding Triggers: Patients should avoid circumstances that trigger or aggravate symptoms.
  • Vestibular Rehabilitation with Virtual Reality Environments: This approach has shown favorable results.

By identifying and treating MdDS appropriately, patients can significantly improve their quality of life and reduce the distressing symptoms associated with this condition.

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