Kay Taylor
Mal de Debarquement Syndrome
Norwegian Cruise Lines - November 16, 2003
Kay Taylor
Submission Date: August 15, 2007
Event Date: November 16, 2003
Cruise Bruise: MdDS
Bruise Location: Caribbean
Age: 60
Home Town: Utah
Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Lines
Ship: Unknown
Details:
I went on my first ever cruise in Nov 2003, I was in very good health
never having any health issue's.
I went on a Norwegian Cruise lines to the Caribbean, never knowing what was a head of me.
After 7 days I flew home from San Juan Puerto Rico feeling just fine. It wasn't until I woke up from a good night's sleep and stepped on the floor, it felt like the floor was moving out from under me and as I walked it was like being on a trampoline swinging back and forth at the same time.
I went to the doctor, he told me it would go away if I gave it some time. It continued to get worse so he sent me to a ENT (No help) then a neurologist, that ruled out many disease's plus brain tumor.
Then I was sent to a cardiologist.(no help) I was finally diagnosed at the University Of Utah Hospital at the ENT Clinic and the Hearing and Balance Center after eleven months. I found out I had Mal de Debarquement (MDDS) No cure and doctors do not know much about this condition.
Everyday is a terrib le struggle, I have a hard time reading, using a computer, and anything that I use my eyes alot. I still suffer from all of the motions which I have constantly.
After three years I found a support group that can understand what I'm going through each day. Our support group is in hope's of making doctors more aware of this condition.
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.
