Seeking a Diagnosis

Presently, there are no tests that can provide a definitive diagnosis of Mal de Debarquement.  However, your doctor will probably want to rule out other disorders that may have similar symptoms.  If you are looking for a doctor, please see the list of Health Care Providers who are familiar with the diagnosis of MdDS.  

MdDS is primarily diagnosed using patient history (such as a recent boat, air or train travel or other motion experience) and the  elimination of other disorders which may have similar symptoms. 

There is no known cure for MdDS and the cause is unknown.  It is common for test results to be entirely normal for people suffering with MdDS.  Because of this, many  patients commonly go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed. There have been reports of some successes in alleviation of symptoms with various treatments.

Consult your physician to determine which tests are best for you.  Tests used to exclude other disorders may include the following:

• Neurological examination              

• ENG test (electronystagmography)

• Rotary chair test

• Caloric Stimulation

• Audiogram

• Blood tests (CBC, blood glucose, vitamin B12)

• Blood tests for autoimmune disorders that may involve the ear 

  • ANA (anti-nuclear antibodies)

  •  TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)

  • anti-microsomal antibodies

  • anti-cochlear antibodies

  • HLA-DR determinations                                    

• MRI of the brain and/or MRA of the brain stem and neck

• ECOG - if hearing is abnormal

• Posturography

• High resolution cat scan to rule out small fistulas or superior canal dehiscence syndromes, especially if history of barotrauma

• Optokinetic after-nystagmus:  refer to section 7 of 9 in emedicine vestibuloocular testing paradigms

Last modified on June 12,  2010