Deakin University neuroscientists have
found brain stimulation reduces the symptoms of a rare balance disorder,
offering hope to those who have failed to find their land legs years after a
trip at sea.
In an Australian first study, Dr Alan
Pearce, a neuroscientist with Deakin's School of Psychology, has been
investigating the impact repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
has on people suffering with a rare condition known as Mal de Debarquement
Syndrome (MdDS).
"Following a cruise or trip on a yacht,
it's not uncommon for people to feel like they are still on the boat bobbing or
rocking when they return to dry land, particularly if the seas have been rough.
These feeling might last for minutes or even a few hours, however for some
people these feelings become chronic, developing into MdDS," Dr Pearce said.
Deakin: "For people with MdDS (
Disembarkment Syndrome), the constant
feeling of rocking and bobbing continues for years, and in some cases decades,
with debilitating consequences. Sufferers often describe the sensation as feeling
like they are walking on a trampoline and find doing the simplest of tasks,
such as hanging out the washing, showering or going to the supermarket, near on
impossible." The cause of MdDs is not fully known and
it is difficult to diagnose as brain scans appear normal and inner ear testing,
particularly the areas of the ear that contribute to balance, shows no
abnormalities.
