What is Mal De Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS)?

Imagine stepping off a cruise ship or a long flight. Only this time, you feel like you’re still moving long after your feet hit the ground. This is the reality for people who suffer from mal de débarquement syndrome, or MdDS.

Mal de débarquement syndrome is French for “sickness of disembarkment.” Disembarkment meaning returning to land from a ship or a plane.

When you take a cruise or flight, your body has to adjust to the constant movement. This is often referred to as “getting your sea legs.” But for people with MdDS, their sea legs persist after they arrive onshore.

In this article, we’ll cover what MdDS is, common triggers, and treatment options. We’ll also explore the mysterious link between MdDS and migraine.

What Is MdDS?

Mal de débarquement syndrome is a vestibular disorder. Meaning, it affects your balance and sense of orientation.

When your body has a change in movement – whether from a roller coaster, boat, or airplane – your vestibular system needs time to adjust. You may feel like the ground is still moving for a few minutes, even though you’re standing still.

But with MdDS, that feeling persists for days or weeks. And for some people, MdDS symptoms can last for months or even years.

MdDS Symptoms

The main symptom of MdDS is feeling like you’re rocking, bobbing, or swaying even when you’re not moving and on solid ground.

Other MdDS symptoms may include:

Balance problems
Feeling unsteady
Confusion
Brain fog
Anxiety
Depression

Woman experiences brain fog

Unlike motion sickness, people with MdDS generally don’t have nausea or vomiting.

Often MdDS symptoms improve when moving and worsen when staying still.¹ For this reason, many people with MdDS notice their symptoms ease when driving.

Some people also find their symptoms improve if they return to the motion that triggered them. For example, say someone had MdDS symptoms when they left a cruise ship for a day trip. They may notice their symptoms fade when they return to the ship.

How Common Is It?

Not at all. It’s estimated that MdDS affects roughly 1 in every 150,000 people.2 Middle-aged women are most at risk, making up to 85% of MdDS cases.² In general, women in their 40’s are most affected. People with migraine also face a higher risk. More on this later…

What Triggers MdDS?

Sea travel is the most common trigger for mal de débarquement syndrome. Research suggests that for about 61% of people, MdDS symptoms pop up after taking a cruise.³

However, cruise ships aren’t the only culprit. MdDS can be triggered by other types of passive motion, including:

Riding elevators
Flying in a plane
Long car rides
Train travel
Sleeping on water beds
Wearing virtual reality goggles
Walking on docks

Train rides could trigger MdDS

In some cases, MdDS may be triggered not by passive motion, but by stressful events such as childbirth, surgery, or head trauma.³ And in some cases, MdDS occurs for no apparent reason at all. This is known as spontaneous mal de débarquement syndrome.

MdDS and Migraine Connection

Research suggests there’s a strong link between MdDS and migraine. One study took a close look at 80 MdDS patients. It examined their MdDS triggers, as well as any comorbid disorders.

It found that 23% of people with motion-triggered MdDS had migraine. Plus, 38% of people with spontaneous MdDS had migraine.⁵

Only about 10% of the general population experience migraine.⁶ So clearly, there’s a connection between migraine and MdDS. Yet the reason for this connection isn’t fully understood.

The study also found that in motion-triggered MdDS, migraine symptoms tended to start in tandem with the onset of MdDS.⁵ However, the non-motion group usually experienced migraine before the onset of MdDS.⁵

How Long Does Mal de Débarquement Syndrome Last?

It’s different for everyone. For most people, MdDS symptoms pass within 24 hours. Yet for others, it may take weeks or even months to recover.

When MdDS symptoms persist for more than a month, it’s known as persistent MdDS.⁴ Unsurprisingly, patients with persistent MdDS are typically the ones who seek treatment.

How is MdDS Diagnosed?

Because MdDS is rare, you’re unlikely to be diagnosed by a primary care physician. Often, MdDS diagnosis is done by a neurologist or otolaryngologist (ENT).

Even then, diagnosing MdDS can be tricky. That’s because no test can deliver a surefire MdDS diagnosis.

Instead, doctors typically run a series of tests to rule out related disorders, like vestibular migraine.

Testing may include:¹

Blood tests
Cardiac evaluation
Brain scans like a CT scan or MRI
Vestibular tests like VNG
Hearing tests

MdDS Treatment

MdDS symptoms usually resolve on their own. However, if your symptoms persist, there are a few treatments that may offer relief.

Keep in mind that not all treatments work for everyone. You may have to try a few before you find the right fit.

Here are a few MdDS options your doctor may recommend:

Medications: Anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants help for some people with MdDS.1 Some studies suggest migraine prophylaxis drugs like topiramate may also help.⁷ Motion sickness meds on the other hand typically don’t work with MdDS.¹

Brain stimulation: In this form of therapy, electrodes are placed at specific points on your scalp. Electric signals are then sent to stimulate or suppress different areas of your brain. The goal is to retrain your brain to ease MdDS symptoms.⁸

Vestibular rehabilitation: This type of physical therapy focuses on improving balance. Vestibular rehabilitation for MdDS may include eye movement exercises and balance retraining.

Manage stress: Research shows stress can intensify MdDS symptoms.3 So keeping a healthy lifestyle is important. Regular exercise, getting plenty of rest, and setting aside time for relaxation may offer relief.

MigreLief Nutritional Approach – Maintaining healthy cerebrovascular tone and function (blood vessels in the brain), healthy mitochondrial energy reserves (powerhouses of brain cells), and healthy neurotransmitter function (healthy nerve transmission in the brain), through a foundational and targeted nutritional approach with MigreLief may make a big difference. At MigreLief.com you can try MigreLief under a 90-day, money-back satisfaction guarantee.

Living with Mal de Débarquement Syndrome

Like migraine, mal de débarquement syndrome is a condition that can make life challenging. Most cases of MdDS resolve on their own within a day. But if you’re one of the unfortunate few whose MdDS symptoms persist, it can be overwhelming.

Be sure to get support from loved ones and talk with your healthcare provider. Living with MdDS is difficult. So do what you can to make your physical and mental well-being your top priority.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5764463/
https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/diseases/mal-de-debarquement-syndrome/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00415-017-8725-3
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9249277/
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2018.00261/full
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2787727
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5823515/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3529198/

Interictal Migraine Phase: The ‘In Between State’

There’s a misconception that symptoms disappear between migraine attacks. But that’s not always the case. Migraine is not just a headache disorder. It’s a complex neurological disease where symptoms occur in phases.

While headaches are the hallmark symptom of migraine, they’re just one piece of the puzzle. Many people with migraine experience symptoms between attacks. This is known as the interictal migraine phase.

In this article, we’ll cover the symptoms of interictal migraine and how they can help you manage future migraine attacks.

What is Interictal Migraine?

Interictal migraine is commonly called the ‘between headache state.’ It’s the phase of a migraine cycle where no headaches occur.

But being headache-free doesn’t always mean being symptom-free. Many experience symptoms before and after a migraine attack.

To quickly recap, here are the four phases of a migraine:

Prodrome (or premonitory) phase: Roughly 60% of people with migraine have symptoms before the headache sets in. This usually happens between two to 48 hours before the pain begins.
Aura: Around 25% of migraineurs experience the aura phase. This causes sensory disturbances such as flickering lights, blind spots, numbness, or tingling. Aura can last anywhere between a few minutes to a couple of hours.
Attack (or headache): This phase is marked by throbbing pain that usually occurs on one side of the head. Migraine attacks can last up to 72 hours and vary from mild to debilitating.
Postdrome phase: Also known as a ‘migraine hangover,’ this is the period after a migraine attack ends.

So in a sense, interictal migraine refers to any non-headache symptoms that pop up outside of a migraine attack. This may occur in the prodrome, aura, or postdrome phases.

Why Do Symptoms Occur Between Migraine Attacks?

It’s tough to say. Some believe it’s because people with migraine have brains that are inherently different.

For example, migraine sufferers tend to be hypersensitive to pain during and between migraine attacks. In fact, 42% of people with migraine experience hypersensitivity between headaches.

Other research shows that people with migraine tend to have elevated levels of calcium gene-related peptide (CGRP) outside of migraine attacks. CGRP is a protein that causes inflammation and is involved in pain transmission.

So if you have chronic migraine, there’s a lot going on under the surface even when you’re headache-free.

Interictal Migraine Symptoms

Many physical and psychological symptoms may occur in the interictal phase between headaches. These include:

Mood changes such as anxiety, depression, and worry
Fatigue
Nausea
Food cravings
Neck pain
Yawning
Sensitivity to lights, sounds, and smells
Visual disturbances such as flashing lights, zigzags, or blind spots

Some may not even realize their symptoms are related to migraine and brush them off. But often these symptoms are a red flag a migraine is on its way.

This can cause many chronic migraine sufferers to feel constantly ‘on edge,’ wondering when the next attack will strike. This anxiety can greatly interfere with well-being between migraine attacks. This is known as interictal burden.

Interictal burden can disrupt work, school, family, and social life. And for some, it leads to avoidance behaviors. Social plans may be canceled or not made at all in anticipation of the next attack. Others may feel like they’re constantly playing catch-up with work and school due to previous attacks.

So, while the interictal phase may be free of headaches – it’s not free of stress. Luckily, interictal symptoms can offer clues to help you prevent and manage future migraine attacks.

Using Interictal Symptoms to Help Manage Migraines

Many migraine experts recommend tracking symptoms to ease interictal anxiety. Keeping track of symptoms such as neck pain, nausea, and fatigue can help you understand your migraine cycle better. But it can also help you pinpoint the triggers that brought on symptoms.

The easiest way to do this is to use a migraine diary (download one here). Note any symptoms that occur, as they may be warning signs a migraine is coming. This can help you plan ahead and know when to try preventative treatments.

Prevention could be as simple as resting, avoiding screens, drinking more water, or practicing deep breathing to ease stress.

Nutritional support may also help. In particular, magnesium, riboflavin, and feverfew are all proven to benefit those with migraine.

Living with migraine isn’t easy. But knowledge is power. Understanding your interictal symptoms can help you manage your migraine better, which may ease future attacks.

References:

Unveiling the Veil of Pain: The Historical Odyssey of Migraine in Women

Healthy Sleep Habits to Avoid Migraines

Migraines & Mood Could Lead to Depression & Anxiety

Groundhog Day: 6 More Weeks of Winter Migraines Not in the Forecast

10 Healthy Drinks for Migraine Relief + Healthy Recipes

Can Weather Changes Trigger Migraines?

Avoid Common Thanksgiving Migraine Triggers

Pumpkin Spice Bedtime Drink (Vegan)

Enjoy the 4th: Don’t Let a Migraine Rain on Your Parade

5 Water-Rich Foods to Stay Hydrated in the Heat

Being hydrated is extremely important for your health. When you don’t drink enough water, your body cannot function properly, causing you to experience a host of uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous symptoms.

Dehydration happens when a person loses more fluid than they take in, either through natural processes like sweating and urination, when you have a fever or after a vomiting or diarrhea bout. It is more likely to occur when the weather is warm or during periods of profuse sweating, like during exercise or when you spend too much time sitting in the sun.

Dehydration is one of the most common migraines and headache triggers. Many migraineurs and chronic headache sufferers report that, for them, even the slightest hint of dehydration can spiral into a full-fledge migraine attack within minutes. Fortunately, it is also one of the most easily prevented triggers.

Staying adequately hydrated is something we should strive for year-round. Here are five water-rich foods that will help you stay hydrated during summer and beyond:

Watermelon

Water content: 92%
Nothing says summer like eating an ice-cold watermelon wedge sitting by the pool or at the beach. This delicious fruit is almost entirely made of water, and it is very healthy, too. A one-cup (155 grams) serving of watermelon contains about 120 milliliters (or half a cup) of water. And as far as fruits go, it is also one of the lowest in calories, with only 46 calories per cup. Watermelons also have a number of migraine-friendly nutrients, like vitamins A and C, potassium, and magnesium, making it the ideal on-the-go snack for migraineurs with food sensitivities.

Cucumber

Water content: 96.7%
Although technically a fruit, cucumbers are often regarded as one of the most hydrating and refreshing vegetables there is. They are also one of the most ancient plant foods ever recorded. Cave excavations and anthropological studies have shown that humans have been growing these water-laden veggies more than 3,000 years for food and medicinal purposes. Often considered to be a “diet food,” cucumbers are loaded with vitamins and minerals that may offer several health benefits. There is evidence that cucumbers may support:

Hydration
Bone health
Cardiovascular health

Lettuce

Water Content: 96%
We haven’t been fair to lettuce. Fresh, crisp, and crunchy, there is almost no dish that doesn’t go well with a refreshing salad on the side. There are five main types of lettuce: leaf, romaine, crisphead, butterhead, and stem, and each provides different levels of nutrition. Generally speaking, lettuce is very low in calories (only ten calories per cup) but high in fiber, and it also has small amounts of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A and K, zinc, and potassium.

Celery

Water content: 94%
Some people love it, some hate it, but there’s no denying that these crunchy stalks offer more than a handful of health benefits for very few calories. Just a serving of celery provides almost a third of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K, a nutrient closely related to bone health. A cup of celery also has nearly as much potassium as a small banana and packs close to half a cup of water. However, that same cup of celery only contains about 15 calories.

Tip: Don’t toss the leaves! Most of the calcium, vitamin C, and potassium in celery comes from them. Celery leaves don’t store well, so choose stalks with bright, crisp leaves to make sure they are as fresh as possible and eat them right away.

Tomatoes

Water content: 94%
Like cucumbers, despite botanically being a fruit, tomatoes are considered a vegetable by most. They are an important source of several key nutrients, including folate, vitamin C, and potassium. But that’s not where their impressive nutritional profile ends. Tomatoes have a water content of nearly 95%, making them one of the most hydrating non-starchy vegetables. They are also packed with an extraordinary antioxidant called lycopene.

Lycopene is a red pigment and antioxidant known for its health benefits. Studies have shown that lycopene’s antioxidant properties can help regulate free radicals in the body, promote heart health, and may even slow down the progression of some types of cancer.

Used in many cuisines around the world, there are countless ways to prepare and eat tomatoes. Raw, baked, and fried are the most popular ways to make them, but if you are in the mood for something new, try:

Stuffing them: with cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs.
Grilling them: by themselves or in skewers.
Pickling them: in boiled pickling brine.
Boiling them: to make sweet or savory tomato jam.