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Semin Neurol 2020; 40(01): 160-164
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-3402740
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Mal de Debarquement Syndrome

Kamala Saha
1   Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona
,
Yoon-Hee Cha
2   Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
27 January 2020 (online)

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Abstract

Mal de debarquement syndrome (MdDS) is a disorder of persistent vertigo characterized by a feeling of oscillation such as rocking, bobbing, or swaying. It is triggered by passive motion, typically by exposure to water, air, or land transportation. This syndrome affects middle-aged individuals who are predominantly women. MdDS presents as a balance disorder that carries significant risk of morbidity due to both the direct effects of balance impairment and associated symptoms of fatigue, cognitive slowing, and visual motion intolerance. The Barany Society will be publishing criteria for diagnosing persistent MdDS. In addition, more insight has been gained into the pathophysiology of MdDS, with current hypotheses pointing to a cerebral and cerebellar basis. Treatments have expanded beyond medication trials, and now include the use of noninvasive brain stimulation and readaptation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex.

Keywords

mal de debarquement syndrome - persistent oscillating vertigo - disembarkment syndrome
 

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