Delores Nitz
Mal de Debarquement Syndrome
Norwegian Star - February 1, 2005
Delores Nitz
Submission Date: August 29, 2007
Event Date: February 1, 2005
Cruise Bruise: MdDS
Bruise Location: Mexican Riviera
Age: 71
Home Town: Colorado
Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Lines
Ship: Norwegian Star
Details:
I have never got my "land legs" back after returning from a cruise in February of 2005.
At first I thought the rocking/dizziness was because I had a sinus infection when I returned home. When that cleared up, I still had the movement sensation.
I went to the doctor in May and was tested for brain tumor, Parkinson's, MS, cancer, all kinds of ear test and everything came back normal, but I still felt like I was walking on a suspension bridge.
I found information on the internet about MdDS and knew it was what I had, because I always felt normal when in a car in motion. I printed the information and took it to my doctor. He agreed it is what I have, but he had never heard of it before.
I am older than most people that get MdDS and I have often wondered with all the senior citizens going on cruises if some of the "dizziness" that seems to go along with aging is actually undiagnosed MdDS.
I have problems with remembering things, sometimes I cannot find the right word. Stress, crowds, loud noises and changes in lighting always makes it worse.
On every cruise I have been on the debarquation talk always mentions that one might have the feeling of still being on the ship for a few hours. I think they need to let people know that it can last for days, weeks, months and even years.
A support group for MdDS sufferers is HERE
More MdDS cases are here
Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS) is a rare balance disorder that most often develops following an ocean cruise, other type of water travel, or motion experience. MdDS persists for months to years. Common symptoms include a persistent sensation of motion such as rocking, swaying, and/or bobbing. This sensation of motion is often associated with fatigue, difficulty maintaining balance, and difficulty concentrating (impaired cognitive function).
Symptoms of MdDS include persistent sensation of motion, imbalance, fatigue, sensitivity to light, headaches, migraine headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, memory loss, ear pain, anxiety, and depression.
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.
