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Hey everyone, I went on a cruise about a month ago and ever since then I've been experiencing what I think is called Mal De Debarquement Syndrome. My symptoms have changed over the course of the month. First it was the swaying/rocking motion, dizziness, nausea from the dizziness, eye fatigue and then after about a couple weeks I started feeling a gravitational pull sensation. It constantly feels like my neck, chest, throat is being tugged/pulled forward. Sometimes it feels like gravity is pulling me to the right. My balance is off because of it. It seems to be more apparent while I'm sitting still or laying on my side. Sometimes if I stand still I feel the gravitational pull drag my body to the right. It makes my neck/throat tense and uncomfortable and as a result of that I sometimes feel nauseous. Other times I felt like air was getting into my throat, or feeling like I need to burp but can't. I don't know what is causing this gravitational pull sensation. That's what bugs me the most. Also now my symptoms of rocking/swaying came back again along with it. Some days it's light, other days it's intense. It's never consistent and I can't tell if it's ever getting better to be honest. I'm scared this will stay with me for the rest of my life.
I'd like to add that I went to see a doctor who first prescribed me meclizine. It did not help. Then I went to an ENT who mentioned my symptoms are related to migraine symptoms & Mal De Debarquement Syndrome. So the ENT basically mentioned to go on a migraine diet and to take vitamin B2 + magnesium oxide for at least 6-9 weeks. They said they've seen improvement in patients with it but I really don't know. My PCP mentioned he doesn't think it's related to migraines and doesn't think the vitamins will do anything and that with things like these only time will make it better. I also heard that physical therapy can help with MdDs but it really depends on the patient.
I'm wondering if anyone has an answer because I'm getting so many different answers from people. What is the best solution to get better faster?
Hi Emily,
I’m sorry to hear you’re suffering with MdDS. I returned from a cruise shortly after your post and have had symptoms for 5 weeks now. Mine are not as severe as yours, and I’m able to continue normal life, I just feel odd while doing so!
My GP has given me Betahistine (Serc) and referred me to the ENT. I’m not sure how appropriate Betahistine is but it can take 14 days before it has any effect and isn’t particularly strong, so I’ll persist and then stop if needs be.
There’s another specialist in the UK called Dr Darius Rejali who has written at length on various balance disorders. Check this out:
https://earandbalance.co.uk/mal-de-debarquement-syndrome/
He reviews a very promising study into MdDS and also offers a home remedy to replicate it to try and soothe symptoms. Obviously you have to be careful and it’s not a guarantee to work, but given your symptoms it might be worth investigating. I’ve been doing it twice a day for 2 days now and have noticed my symptoms have changed, if not gone away. Movement feels smaller.
Hope this helps.
@germanwofl Hey! Did anything ended up working for you to cure this? Appreciate it!
@emly I experienced MdDS in 2023 after my first ever cruise to Alaska. The symptoms you described stayed with me for 10 months. Nothing helped. The symptoms gradually and slowly left me. I just recently got back from my 2nd cruise to the Mediterranean and the symptoms are back. I read that doctors have found a combination of vestibular therapy combined with taking an anti depressant such as Xanax or Valium helps with the symptoms but doesn't take it away. I'll be talking with my doctor about these treatment options when I see him next. I hope this helps.
