Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS)
What is Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS)?
Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS) is a neurological condition characterized by a persistent sensation of rocking, swaying, or bobbing, often described as feeling like you are still on a boat or other moving platform. Unlike typical motion sickness, MdDS occurs after the motion has ceased and can persist for weeks, months, or even years.
Symptoms of MDDS
Individuals with MdDS may experience:
Persistent Rocking or Swaying Sensations: These sensations often worsen in enclosed spaces or when sitting still.
Imbalance or Unsteadiness: Difficulty maintaining stability while standing or walking.
Brain Fog: Challenges with focus, memory, or processing information.
Headaches or Migraines: Often accompanying the sense of motion.
Visual Motion Sensitivity: Difficulty with visual inputs, such as scrolling on screens or watching moving objects.
Fatigue and Sleep Disturbances: A common result of persistent symptoms.
Causes of MDDS
MdDS is often triggered by prolonged exposure to passive motion, such as:
Cruises or boat travel
Airplane flights
Long car rides
In some cases, MdDS can occur spontaneously, with no clear motion-related trigger. The condition is thought to result from a failure of the brain to recalibrate to a stable, stationary environment after adapting to prolonged motion.
The Role of the Vestibular System in MdDS
The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, plays a key role in maintaining balance and spatial orientation. In MdDS, the brain may continue to rely on the adaptations it made during prolonged motion, leading to persistent sensations of movement even after the motion has stopped.
Dysfunction in sensory integration—the brain’s ability to combine vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive inputs—is a major contributor to MdDS symptoms.
Diagnosing MDDS
At Clarity Brain and Body Clinic, we use a comprehensive approach to diagnose MdDS and rule out other potential causes of dizziness or imbalance.
Diagnostic methods include:
Vestibular Function Testing: To assess the health and performance of the inner ear and balance system.
Oculomotor Assessment: Evaluation of eye movements to identify dysfunction in visual-vestibular integration.
Postural and Balance Testing: Analysis of balance and proprioceptive input.
Comprehensive Neurological Examination: To identify any underlying dysfunctions in the brain or nervous system.
Functional Neurology’s Approach to
MdDS Treatment
Functional neurology offers a personalized, non-invasive approach to treating MdDS by targeting the underlying neurological dysfunctions causing the symptoms. Treatment focuses on recalibrating the brain’s sensory processing systems and restoring normal integration of vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive information.
Treatment at Clarity Brain & Body Clinic
Our evidence-based treatment plans for MdDS may include:
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy: Exercises designed to improve balance and recalibrate the vestibular system.
Visual-Vestibular Integration Therapy: Techniques to enhance the brain’s ability to process visual and vestibular inputs.
Postural and Balance Training: Exercises to improve stability and reduce unsteadiness.
Oculomotor Training: Targeted exercises to improve eye movements and reduce visual motion sensitivity.
Neuroplasticity-Based Therapies: Stimulating the brain’s ability to adapt and create new neural connections.
Stress Management and Relaxation Techniques: Addressing the psychological factors that can exacerbate MdDS symptoms.
Why Choose Clarity Brain and Body Clinic?
Dr. Timko is dedicated to providing compassionate, expert care for individuals suffering from MdDS. Using advanced functional neurology techniques, we address the root causes of your symptoms, offering a pathway to relief and improved quality of life. Our holistic, patient-centered approach ensures that each treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If you’re struggling with persistent sensations of rocking, swaying, or imbalance, contact Clarity Brain and Body Clinic today to schedule a free discovery call and begin your journey toward recovery from
Mal de Débarquement Syndrome.