What is
MDDS?
Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS) is a
neurological disorder of perceived movement manifesting as a constant feeling
of rocking, bobbing, or swaying which seems to be alleviated in passive motion
such as riding in a car. This is an important diagnostic feature of the
syndrome. Treatments are being investigated. There is no cure yet.
Also known
as Disembarkment Syndrome, MdDS most often develops following a cruise or other
type of water travel; exposure need not be sustained or lengthy. MdDS has also
been reported following air, train, and automobile travel; and less commonly
after repeated elevator use, walking on docks, from the use of virtual reality
equipment, or practically any motion experience. MdDS occurs in both genders
and in all age groups but current statistics demonstrate the highest reported
incidence in females between the ages of 30 – 60. While MdDS most commonly
presents itself after travel, for some onset appears to be spontaneous, without
a motion event.
MdDS may
persist for months to years, and there is a likelihood of recurrence after an
initial onset. Many people experience the more common entity labelled “sea
legs” upon alighting from travel experiences. “Sea legs” are a transient,
normal response to travel which generally resolves quickly. – taken from MdDS
Foundation
Acupuncture as a TreatmentI saw Yoon, a registered acupuncturist, near the end of a 10 week episode of a rare neurological condition, MDDS (Mal de Debarquement Syndrome). The main symptoms are a constant feeling of bobbing (like being on a boat) and brain fog. Yoon treated my entire body including neck pain and jaw pain (from clenching). After each session I felt better and by the third treatment I was no longer experiencing symptoms. I also found the treatments greatly reduced my feelings of stress. - Melissa
