MdDS
Mal de Debarquement Syndrome
Awareness Video Released May 28, 2010
The MdDS Foundation contacted us with the release of their latest public awareness video, as seen below. What is MdDS? To the left you will see a category listing labeled Mal de Debarquement that outlines numerous cases of MdDS.
Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS) is a disorder most common to middle age women, that can affect women and men of any age. The most common cause of MdDS are cruises, though some have suffered after airline flights.
It is a very difficult disorder to diagnose and because of that Cruise Bruise decided some time back to get out the message to passengers and crew alike what the cause and symptoms are, so that perhaps some who are suffering without a diagnosis or treatment might finally discover why their life has been turned upside down.
The cases in our MdDS section draw a picture of how MdDS affects those who live daily with the symptoms. The video below was sent to us by Jane Houghton
of the MdDS Foundation in the United Kingdom.
Symptoms are rated on a severity scale as follows:
1-2 Sensation of rocking/bobbing/swaying is almost imperceptible. Most often noticed while walking but may also be recognized while sitting, standing or lying down. Can usually perform routine daily functions without the need for rest periods.
3-4 Rocking/bobbing/swaying sensation is almost constant but can function fairly well with occasional rest periods. The sensation of rocking/bobbing/swaying may include the perception of movement along either a horizontal or vertical axis. The floor seems to move when walking (as if walking on a suspension bridge, water bed, or trampoline). Altered balance. Cannot remain standing in a fixed position with eyes closed.
5-6 Rocking/bobbing/swaying intensity is increased. Accompanied by difficulty in concentration and/or mental confusion (impaired cognitive function). Most routine tasks become difficult to accomplish. Require periods of rest. May stumble when walking.
7-8 Rocking/bobbing/swaying is more severe and noticeable while walking, standing, or sitting. Associated with considerable fatigue. Increased loss of concentration and/or mental confusion. Balance is affected (bump into objects when walking; clumsy in handling objects; may drop things).
9-10 Rocking/bobbing/swaying is extremely severe. Balance is very poor. Require support for walking and standing (have to hold onto walls). Significant mental confusion. Impaired ability to speak. Remain in bed most of the day.
Treatment
While there is no known cure for Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS), some success in managing symptoms has been realized with medications and vestibular rehabilitation.
Most anticholinergeric medications that work for other forms of dizziness and motion sickness, such as meclizine or scopolamine, are not effective in either treatment or prevention of MdDS.
