Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MDDS) is a rare health condition that causes problems with balance and coordination. MDDS usually affects people who have been on long-haul flights for more than 12 hours or participate in passive motion activities like boat trips or car rides. If you experience any of the symptoms outlined below you may be a candidate for MDDS treatment in Centennial, CO.
The symptoms of this syndrome are similar to those experienced by travelers suffering from jet lag after flying across several time zones. However, jet lag tends to be temporary, while MDDS may last for weeks or months. The specific symptoms of MDDS are relatively similar to a number of other conditions. Your doctor will first rule out the potential of a vestibular issue with some non-invasive tests before determining a diagnosis of MDDS and mapping out a course of treatment.
It is notoriously difficult to treat MDDS because it has no known cure. There are, however, a few reliable treatment options out there. Let's compare the different treatments available today and help you determine the best MDDS treatment in Centennial, CO for you.
What are the options to treat MDDS?
Medication Treatments
While there's no "magic pill" to treat MDDS, there are some medication therapies commonly used to address MDDS symptoms such as inability to sleep or anxiety or theorized causes of the syndrome. However, those meds can often come with negative side effects like nausea or medication dependency. Here are a few of the most commonly prescribed MDDS medications:
- Migraine Medications - Some researchers believe MDDS is linked to a migraine disorder. Therefore, many medical practitioners will prescribe potent migraine medication, such as nortriptyline, to treat symptoms related to MDDS.
- Benzodiazepines or Antidepressants - There is some general consensus that these medications may provide the best temporary symptomatic relief. They do not, however, permanently relieve symptoms and can create dependencies.
- Corticosteroids - Cortisone is another name for steroid hormones produced naturally by the adrenal glands. These steroids work by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair. The theory is that MDDS may be linked to hormone fluctuations, so some doctors will prescribe steroid hormones to address this condition.
Alternative Treatments
There are many alternative therapies available for treating MDDS. Most of these treatments are thought to alleviate symptoms, but may not provide relief for everyone. You should consult your physician before trying any of these alternative remedies.
- Hypnosis - Hypnotism uses suggestions to relax the mind and induce deep relaxation. This treatment method focuses on improving sleep quality while suffering from MDDS.
- Massage - While there is not enough research to back up their claim, holistic practitioners believe that massage helps with MDDS by repairing the nervous system and detoxifying tissues.
- Essential Oils - Essential oils contain potent compounds found in plants. Many essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties and therefore could potentially reduce joint stiffness and improve mobility. These oils are thought to help with MDDS symptoms like dizziness.
- Acupuncture - Acupuncture is said to address the sensation of swaying and other symptoms in MDDS patients. Acupuncturists insert needles at points along energy pathways called meridians. By stimulating these points, they aim to restore the energy balance and flow within the body. While acupuncture isn't a proven treatment, studies show that it does offer benefits when compared to placebo controls.
Specialized Treatments
People who suffer from this rare syndrome now have a chance for full recovery thanks to the most effective MDDS treatment in Centennial, CO. There are two specialized treatments that have been successful in fully treating this disorder.
- Brain Stimulation - Brain stimulation activities, such as Neurofeedback, helps to treat MDDS by stimulating certain parts of the brain. Brain stimulation devices send electrical impulses through wires placed near specific points on the scalp. Through a rewards-based training program, neurofeedback can help retrain your brain to overcome MDDS symptoms.
- Vestibular Rehabilitation - Vestibular rehabilitation therapies, like Gyrostim therapy, can help treat MDDS by helping improve balance and coordination. It also teaches people with dizziness what causes them to lose their equilibrium.
Regain Your Steadiness With Our MDDS Treatment in Centennial, CO
The most troublesome part of MDDS is that no single course of treatment works every time for patients. In fact, some treatments work better than others depending upon a person's individual needs. If you're interested in trying one or more of these specialized approaches outlined above, reach out to us at McWhorter CNR.
We offer a wide variety of treatment applications that target everything from the psyche to the physical body. With a complicated condition like MDDS, you’ll want to have everything you could possibly need within reach. That’s what we offer at McWhorter CNR.
If you’re struggling with symptoms of MDDS, contact our team of vestibular and brain specialists today to set up a consultation. We can discuss your options and find out if any of our services would benefit you.