Q2-Spring-2016_Alert-Diver

SPRING 2016

RESEARCH, EDUCATION & MEDICINE

FROM THE MEDICAL LINE

including land sickness, disembarkment syndrome

and mal de debarquement syndrome (MdDS). This

syndrome occurs when the brain, having adjusted to

the constant movement of the ship, has essentially

forgotten how to handle a solid surface beneath the

feet. The body finds the sensations of being on firm

ground unfamiliar and abnormal. The vestibular

system, which controls the body’s balance, is disrupted

and typically takes a few hours to a few days to readjust

to being on a nonmoving surface. Some individuals,

however, report a much longer time for resolution.

No test can definitively diagnose disembarkment

syndrome; diagnosis is based on the exclusion of

reasonable alternatives.

While the main symptoms are a persistent rocking

sensation and a sense of imbalance, other symptoms

may include dizziness, fatigue, migraines, depression,

nausea, difficulty concentrating and confusion. Typically,

the condition is more pronounced when the person

is sitting or lying down. Unlike motion sickness, the

symptoms of disembarkment syndrome may improve

with motion such as walking or riding in a vehicle.

It is impossible to predict whether an individual will

suffer from disembarkment syndrome after a cruise

or voyage. Those who readily adjust to the motion of

the sea seem to be more susceptible. Disembarkment

syndrome is more common in women than men, but

a specific hormonal tie has not been detected. To

decrease the likelihood of disembarkment syndrome,

start seasickness-prevention measures a few days

before boarding a ship and continue them for a few

days after returning to land.

According to the MdDS Balance Disorder

Foundation, there is no treatment for the condition

since it typically subsides on its own. Motion-sickness

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