Understanding Mal de Débarquement Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS) is a rare neurological condition characterized by a persistent sensation of motion, such as rocking, swaying, or bobbing, typically following travel by sea, air, or land. "Mal de Débarquement" translates to "sickness of disembarkment," alluding to the condition's common trigger: returning to solid ground after a cruise or other motion-based travel. While most individuals readjust within hours or days, some experience these sensations for months or even years.
Symptoms of Mal de Débarquement Syndrome
The primary symptom of MdDS is a persistent feeling of motion, often exacerbated by immobility and relieved by actual movement. Other symptoms may include:
- Imbalance and Unsteadiness: Patients often feel as though they are moving when they are stationary.
- Fatigue: The constant sensation of motion can be exhausting.
- Cognitive Difficulties: Some individuals report difficulties with concentration and memory.
- Anxiety and Depression: The chronic nature of the symptoms can lead to emotional distress.
A Real Life Case of MdDS in Spokane
In 2018, a patient of Advanced Eyecare & Therapies went on a cruise and began experiencing symptoms of MdDS upon her return. For years, she felt a relentless rocking and swaying that significantly impacted her daily life. When she sought help from our neuro-optometrist, she was introduced to various treatments which effectively alleviated her symptoms.
Treatments for Mal de Débarquement Syndrome
Treating MdDS can be challenging, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, several approaches have shown promise in managing the condition. At Advanced Eyecare & Therapies, the patient received a combination of light therapy and the use of a yoked prism, both of which provided significant relief.
- Light Therapy
- How it Works: Light therapy involves exposure to specific wavelengths of light at certain times of the day. This treatment aims to reset the body's internal clock and improve symptoms.
- Benefits: Light therapy has been found to help regulate the body's circadian rhythms, potentially reducing the persistent sensation of motion.
- Yoked Prism Glasses
- How it Works: Yoked prism glasses alter the visual input to the brain by shifting images seen through the glasses to a different location.
- Benefits: Using yoked prism glasses benefits patients by delaying the visual signal sent to the midbrain, helping to mitigate the sensation of motion and improving balance.
Ongoing Research and Support
While treatments like light therapy and yoked prism glasses offer hope, ongoing research is crucial for understanding and managing MdDS better. Organizations like the American Brain Foundation are at the forefront of researching neurological conditions, including MdDS, to find more effective treatments and, eventually, a cure.
Find Relief from MdDS with Advanced Eyecare & Therapies
Mal de Débarquement Syndrome is a complex condition that can significantly affect your quality of life. However, with innovative treatments like light therapy and yoked prism glasses, patients can find relief and regain a sense of normalcy.
At Advanced Eyecare & Therapies, we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive care and support for those suffering from MdDS and other neurological conditions in the community of Spokane. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of MdDS, contact us at 509-213-1144 to schedule an appointment.