Mal de debarquement.
METHODS
Clinical features of mal de debarquement syndrome.


RESULTS
Nearly all respondents were middle-aged women (26 of 27; mean age, 49.3 years). The duration of symptoms ranged from 6 months to 10 years (mean, 3.5 years; SD, 2.5 years). The symptoms were constant in 23 (85%) patients. Neither meclizine hydrochloride nor transdermal scopolamine was helpful. Benzodiazepines were of the most benefit. Balance rehabilitation physical therapy was undertaken by 15 patients, who on average reported a small benefit.


CONCLUSIONS
More than double the number of previously reported cases of mal de debarquement syndrome were identified by this study. The syndrome usually occurs in middle-aged women following an ocean cruise. Symptoms are often refractory to vestibular suppressants as well as physical therapy.
Hain
T C
TC
Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Ill 60611, USA. thain@casbah.acns.nwu.edu
Hanna
P A
PA
Rheinberger
M A
MA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009039:Motion Perception; D009041:Motion Sickness / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013577:Syndrome