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
