Do you also feel like you're just swaying and swaying? Could it be Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS)?

Have you ever been on a ship, boat, or perhaps a long train or bus ride and then got back to land, and felt like the vehicle was still moving, like the ground was shaking, or swaying? Do you feel the same way when you stand up or go to bed? This is not something most people experience sometimes, but if you do, it could be a symptom of a rare condition called Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS) . Let's talk about this in a little more detail today, because it's very important to be aware of it.

What is Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS)?

Simply put, Mal de Débarquement Syndrome means "disembarkation sickness." It's a French word. "Disembarkation" is when we get off a ship or a plane. So, MdDS is when we feel like we're moving, even when we're not . You might feel like you're still on the boat or on the train. This can affect your stability and balance .

MdDS is a disorder of the vestibular system . The vestibular system is the system that controls our body's balance. It is mainly located in our inner ear and brain . Experts believe that MdDS occurs when we become accustomed to unusual motion (such as when we are on a ship), and then our brain has trouble re-adapting when that motion stops. Imagine that you have been on a ship for a few days. After a few days, you get used to the rocking of the ship, which is called "sea legs." It is then easier to move around inside the ship. But after returning to land, some people lose this "sea legs" and it takes about two days for "land legs" to return. But someone with MdDS still feels that swaying, swaying sensation even when they are on land.

But it's not just a cruise that happens to everyone. It can also happen after a plane ride, a long bus or train ride, or even sleeping on a waterbed. Surprisingly, it can also happen after a non-moving event (such as surgery or childbirth) or for no apparent reason (spontaneous MdDS) .

How common is MdDS?

In fact, Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS) is a very rare condition . According to some studies, it is estimated that about 150,000 people in the United States alone have it. That's not a huge number.

Although anyone can develop MdDS, it is notable that 85% of reported cases are women between the ages of 30 and 60. It has also been found that people who have migraines are more likely to develop this condition.

What are the symptoms of MdDS?

A person with MdDS typically experiences symptoms like these:

• A feeling of being constantly rocking, swaying, or going up and down. Like being in a boat.
• Unsteadiness, unsteadiness.
• Balance issues. You may feel as if you are losing your balance when walking.
• Confusion, difficulty concentrating.
• Frequent anxiety and fear.
• Depression.
• Brain fog, difficulty thinking clearly.

These symptoms are especially noticeable when you are stationary, such as when standing or lying down in bed . Unlike some other vestibular disorders, MdDS does not usually cause ringing in the ears (tinnitus), vomiting, hearing loss, or spinning sensations . This is also helpful in diagnosing the condition.

What are the main triggers for MdDS?

As we've discussed before, the most common and common trigger for MdDS is sea travel or other water-related activities . For example, people on cruise ships have to get used to the constant rocking and rolling of the ship. After a while, they get "sea legs" and can walk around the ship without bumping into the walls. Once they're on land, most people are back to normal within a couple of days. But for people with MdDS, the rocking and rolling sensation continues even after they get off the ship. Let's say Nimali came home from a cruise for a few days. But when she got home, she still felt like she was on the ship, like the ground was rocking. Even sitting in a chair or lying down in bed didn't help. That's what MdDS is all about.

The following have also been identified as less common triggers :

• Traveling on an airplane.
• Long-distance land travel (in a car or train).
• Use of elevators.
• Walking on the docks.
• Sleeping on water beds.
• Use of Virtual Reality (VR) glasses.

Sometimes, spontaneous MdDS episodes can occur without any movement . This can be triggered by certain stressful life events . For example:

• Childbirth.
• Having surgery.
• Head trauma.

How is MdDS diagnosed?

If your family doctor (PCP) suspects you have MdDS, he or she may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) or a neurologist.You will be referred to a doctor for further testing. This usually happens if you have had symptoms for at least a month.

In fact, there is no single test that can definitively diagnose MdDS. So doctors will want to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms (such as vestibular migraines). They may order tests like these:

• Blood tests.
• Hearing tests.
• Balance tests.
• Imaging tests such as CT scans (Computed Tomography scans) or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

In 2020, the Bárány Society , an international organization, published a diagnostic criteria system for MdDS under the International Classification of Vestibular Disorders (ICVD). This collection of information will help clinicians around the world use the same standards and guidelines to diagnose MdDS.

How do I get rid of this MdDS condition?

There is no definitive cure for MdDS yet , but the good news is that it often resolves on its own .

In the meantime, there are several ways to help reduce your symptoms. However, these treatments do not work for everyone. You may need to try several methods to find what works for you.

Here are some possible treatments for MdDS:

• Medication.
• Brain stimulation therapy.
• Treatment exercises - vestibular rehabilitation.

Medication

You might think that motion sickness medication would be the answer. But in reality, those medications don't really help with MdDS symptoms. However, sometimes medications for conditions like anxiety, depression, and insomnia can help ease your discomfort.

If you have MdDS and also experience frequent migraines, your doctor may prescribe medications for migraines. In some cases, these medications have been shown to also help with MdDS symptoms.

Brain stimulation therapy

This is a relatively new treatment. It involves using electrical signals to activate or deactivate different parts of your brain. During this treatment, a doctor attaches special electrodes to your scalp. This treatment may help retrain your brain to overcome the symptoms of MdDS.

Treatment exercises (Mal de débarquement treatment exercises)

For thisAlso called Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) , these exercises can help you manage the balance problems caused by MdDS. These include specific treatments such as balance retraining and eye movement control .

Your doctor can recommend a program that is tailored to your needs, but you may need to attend several sessions to see results.

How long does it take to heal?

The answer to this question varies from person to person. Most people recover within 24 hours . Others may take a week or two. However, some people may have symptoms for a year or even longer. So don't panic, be patient and seek treatment.

Can MdDS be prevented?

If you have a specific trigger for these symptoms, there is no way to prevent MdDS other than to permanently avoid that trigger. If you have frequent MdDS, talk to your doctor about medications that may help.

How long does MdDS last?

In most cases, MdDS resolves within 24 hours . Even without treatment, many people recover within a year. However, very rarely, some people may have symptoms for months or even years.

Does landing sickness go away on its own?

Yes, in most cases, people with MdDS can see their symptoms improve within 24 hours.

What is it like to live with MdDS?

MdDS usually gets better on its own within 24 hours. If it doesn't, your doctor may need to do tests to rule out other conditions, such as vestibular migraine. This can take some time, and it may involve trial and error. While this can be a bit frustrating, it's important to understand that it may take some time to find the right solution for you.

The most important thing is to know that you are not alone. There are others who have had similar experiences.

When should I see a doctor?

If you feel like you're moving even when you're not moving, you should tell a doctor about it . Especially if your symptoms last more than 24 hours, be sure to seek medical advice.

What questions should you ask the doctor?

If you have MdDS, you may want to ask your doctor questions like:

• What treatment options do I have?
• How long do you think my treatment will take?
• When can I expect results?
• In the meantime, what can I do to reduce my symptoms?

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS) is a rare condition. Symptoms usually improve within 24 hours, but in some cases they can last for months or even years. It can be difficult to deal with the feelings and emotions you experience, especially when symptoms persist.

Talking to others who have also experienced this can be a great help to your mental and emotional well-being. Ask your doctor about additional support services, and if there are any new treatments that might be right for you. Never give up hope, with the right support and treatment, this condition can be managed.

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