Sunday, March 31, 2024

An uncommon cause of headache and dizziness after cruise travel: case report of Mal De Debarquement syndrome

after cruise feeling dizzy

Because women are most often affected, sex hormones like estrogen or progesterone may play a role. One of Hain’s most significant contributions to the field of motion sickness research is his work on Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS). This condition is characterized by a persistent feeling of motion or rocking, even after a person has returned to solid ground after a cruise or other extended period at sea.

Common Causes of Dizziness After a Cruise

Once back on shore, most people “get their land legs back” within two days. People with MdDS still feel like they’re rocking and swaying, even though they’re no longer on a ship. In addition, medicines like Valium which have a sedative effect may help until the unpleasant feelings subside. Interestingly, many patients report that motion like driving or walking helps to ease the symptoms of land sickness. Disorienting, nauseating and overall unpleasant, land sickness (Mal de Debarquement Syndrome) is the last thing you want after returning from a pleasant cruise.

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She did see a doctor a week after she got off the cruise and they ran tests thinking something else might be going on. In the end, she was prescribed a medication that has helped it go away. I can only assume that in most cases, your body will naturally adjust to the normal, subtle movement of the ship. Maybe when you are back on solid ground, your body is still trying to anticipate and adjust to that subtle, usually imperceptible movement... I sometimes get that feeling for a few moments after riding simulator rides or roller coasters. Yes, this is a very common phenomenon...particularly with first time or relatively new cruisers.

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Fortunately, there are several remedies and strategies to address post-cruise dizziness. By addressing anxiety and stress both during and after a cruise, you can better manage any feelings of dizziness and enjoy the experience to its fullest. Prioritizing self-care, relaxation, and seeking support when needed can go a long way in reducing the impact of anxiety and stress on post-cruise dizziness. Preventing dehydration can go a long way in reducing the likelihood of experiencing dizziness after a cruise.

What Causes Vertigo after Cruise Ship Vacation?

If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s advisable to seek medical assistance. Another seasickness medication that is sometimes used is scopolamine, which is available as a patch applied behind the ear. Scopolamine helps block the signals from the inner ear that can trigger nausea and vomiting.

after cruise feeling dizzy

For example, they may use a computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) test to evaluate your balance and stability. This test involves standing on a platform that moves in different directions while sensors measure your body’s response. Additionally, some medications may interact with other medications you are taking, so it is important to speak with your healthcare provider before taking any new medication. When booking your cabin, try to choose one in the middle of the ship. This is the most stable area of the ship and will experience the least amount of movement.

When to Seek Medical Attention

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You may feel dizzy, nauseous, and disoriented, making it difficult to perform even simple tasks. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. One way that doctors diagnose motion sickness is by evaluating your internal models.

after cruise feeling dizzy

For individuals who experience dizziness after taking seasickness medication, it may be a result of the sedating effects of the medication. The drowsiness and fatigue caused by antihistamines can amplify the sensation of dizziness, making it more challenging to maintain balance and stability. Seasickness medication is a commonly used preventative measure and treatment for individuals prone to motion sickness while on a cruise. These medications, often available over-the-counter or by prescription, can help alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness.

Some of the most common medications for motion sickness include meclizine, scopolamine, and Dramamine. Avoid looking at anything that is moving, such as the waves or other passengers. It’s also important to take steps to prevent MDDS before and during your cruise.

While many patient members claim this course of action helps, clinical studies are required to prove their effectiveness across the population of MdDS sufferers. 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. And if you’re already dealing with the symptoms, try the techniques listed in this article, they work wonders for less severe cases, and you’ll notice an improvement within a few days.

The conflicting signals from the inner ear and visual system can disrupt the normal functioning of the vestibular system and result in dizziness. Understanding the role of the vestibular system and inner ear in maintaining balance and detecting motion helps explain why dizziness can occur after a cruise. By being aware of these mechanisms, individuals can take appropriate measures to alleviate symptoms and adjust their environment to reduce the impact on their vestibular system. In the next sections, we’ll explore specific remedies and strategies to address post-cruise dizziness and promote a smoother transition back to solid ground.

The symptoms can vary from one day to another and can present differently for different people as well. In conclusion, MDDS is a rare condition that can have a significant impact on affected individuals. The physical symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, and unsteady gait, can be quite debilitating. The cognitive and emotional symptoms, including difficulty concentrating, confusion, and anxiety, can further exacerbate the condition.

Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially when exposed to hot and humid conditions or engaging in physical activities. Staying aware of your body’s thirst cues and responding with hydration can help you maintain optimal fluid balance and ensure a comfortable cruising experience. Proprioception, the sense of body position and movement detected by receptors in our muscles and joints, is another sensory input that can be affected on a cruise ship. The constant changes in body position and the need to adjust to the ship’s movements can throw off our proprioceptive feedback. This can lead to a sense of unsteadiness and contribute to the feelings of dizziness. Anxiety and stress can exacerbate the sensations of dizziness after a cruise.

While the exact cause of persistent dizziness isn’t fully understood, there are several treatment options available. In this article, we will delve into the depths of cruise-induced dizziness, exploring its common causes, duration, and most importantly, how to alleviate it. So, if you’ve recently returned from a cruise and find yourself in a dizzying predicament, fear not!

Monkeys exposed to "roll while rotating", but not pitch while rotating, developed inappropriate nystagmus when rolled, for 18 hours. They are jumping here from 18 hours to 1 month -- not our idea of long lasting and certainly not in the same territory as MdDS (30 days to forever). One would expect that any adaptation phenomenon would not persist forever, as if you can adapt one way, you can also reverse the process, usually much quicker than you acquired it. MdDS also has some similarities to motion sickness (sea sickness, mal de mer). However, MdDS is again easily distinguished by the shorter duration of motion sickness and gender distribution.

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