Head still going up and down...

J-Cat

Shared on Fri, 08/21/2009 - 12:38

Big boo. My head is going up and down, like I am still on the boat from the weekend. That is 5 full days of dizziness. Went to the doctor Monday: she did the easy neuro tests (look at the finger, watch it go this way and that). Blood tests. Blood pressure is normal, but on the low side of normal. Fine.

but nothing to explain the constant motion. or the fatigue. or the difficulty concentrating. Thank goodness for "Dr. Google".

Mal de debarquement (or Mal de débarquement) syndrome (MdDS, or disembarkment syndrome) is a rare condition usually occurring after a cruise, aircraft flight, or other sustained motion event. It has only recently received attention and very little real scientific research has been conducted.

Symptoms most frequently reported include a persistent sensation of motion usually described as rocking, swaying, or bobbing; difficulty maintaining balance; extreme fatigue; and difficulty concentrating ("brain fog"). Other common symptoms include dizziness, visual disturbances (such as seeing motion, inability to focus etc.), headaches and/or migraine headaches, confusion, and anxiety. Many patients also describe ear symptoms such as hyperacusis, tinnitus, "fullness", pain, or even decreased hearing. Cognitive impairment ("brain fog") includes an inability to recall words, short term memory loss, and an inability to multi-task.

The worst part:

In MdDS, the symptoms persist for more than a month, possibly for many years, and sometimes do not resolve at all.

fuck me. not a happy lass. Not one bit. Can't get to see my doctor for a while (he's on vacation: how dare he?) I am just scared of falling. My mother in law is in, and I want to go out for a few pops with the man, but if I am having problems walking now.... how can I trust myself after a couple of drinks to stay upright? How am I supposed to work if I'm not sharp.  And I have to put up with this for... months, weeks, years, forever??

Encouragement would be nice. 

Comments

transman's picture
Submitted by transman on Fri, 08/21/2009 - 12:56
i often have these same symptoms J. usually mine are caused by self medication. just hang in there you'll be ok. you never know, a few drinks might straighten everything out.
DrStrange's picture
Submitted by DrStrange on Fri, 08/21/2009 - 13:06
from someone who gets motion sickness playing fps (i know; epic fail) i feel your pain....er...motion.
hilskie's picture
Submitted by hilskie on Fri, 08/21/2009 - 13:53
did the dr give you ANYTHING? There should be something out there to help balance out your equilibrium...good luck, sweetie!
Imissthecommodore64's picture
Submitted by Imissthecommodore64 on Fri, 08/21/2009 - 14:16
~cough~~cough~bun in the oven ~cough~~cough~
RivalJJH's picture
Submitted by RivalJJH on Fri, 08/21/2009 - 14:49
I actually saw a show on Discovery Health where a woman had this same problem. She ended up getting divorced because her husband thought it was all in her head or just flat out lying before it was diagnosed. Doesn't sound fun at all. Now that I think about it, the wife and I are going on a cruise in October. God willing it doesn't happen to us either. I hope all works out for you. =)
Caesar's picture
Submitted by Caesar on Fri, 08/21/2009 - 15:22
get beter jsizzle
pearly_54's picture
Submitted by pearly_54 on Sat, 08/22/2009 - 06:17
At least you were able to "self diagnose", thanks to google. I have vertigo, but it comes in the form of attacks which last from maybe a few hours to a couple days. Then I have what I call a "hangover" for weeks to months where I am unsteady, a bit nauseated, unable to look up or to the right or I might set off another attack. Then, it finally goes completely away and I am me again, for what that is worth. Hang in there, hunny.

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