I have had MDD since May 1992. At age 70, I went on a 2 week Mediterranean cruise. This was the sixth or seventh cruise I had been on. While on board I developed a viral infection, felt generally unwell and had some stabbing behind one ear. Immediately after disembarking I felt dizzy and unstable which had usually not been a problem for me. I also do not get seasick very easily. Upon returning home to Canada I talked to my physician who told me I was probably sufferring from jet lag. I felt fine while sitting or lying down but had difficulty balancing when walking or standing. I was given Antivert which did not help. When symptoms persisted, I was referred to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist who examined my ears and found impacted wax. The wax removal was a long and arduous process but he assured me that my dizziness would improve. My symptoms still did not go away but, at this time, no other tests were suggested. This was approximately 5 months after the initial onset.
In 1994 - two YEARS after symtoms appeared - I saw another ENT specialist who suggested an ENG test. I waited several months (this IS Canada) and had the test in early 1995. The tests were negative. This doctor told me my symptoms were entirely age related and he offered no help. Physiotherapy was suggested to improve balance but I did not pursue this option.
In 1996, I read in the paper about a neuro-otologist specializing in vertigo who practiced in a small town 2 hours drive away from my home. After listening to my symptoms and examining me, Dr. Winder immediately diagnosedMDD. I would like to stress that I have cruised many times prior to 1992 on trips of up to 2 months duration with NO problems. Just prior to seeing Dr. Winder I went on another 2 week cruise. While on board my symptoms were GREATLY reduced to the point where I was unaware of them for the first time in years. Flying also relieved my vertigo but symptoms reappeared as soon as I returned home. Dr. Winder described MDD as an inability of the inner ear to re-adjust to "land stable" and indicated there was no treatment available as the actual mechanism of what has gone wrong was not understood at that time. Out of sheer desperation, I paid for a private MRI (rather than wait 6 months) which again yielded normal results.
I never really believed the diagnosis of MDD and in the summer of 1997 I decided to go to the Scripp's Clinic in La Jolla, CA. There I saw the head of Neurology who had never heard of MDD and dismissed it immediately. I had complete blood tests, EEG and a Doppler scan of the carotid arteries done. All the tests were well within normal for my age. I found the doctor there to be very indifferent and quite condescending. He suggested Paxil for my depression and swimming for my vertigo. At that time I did not feel that depression was a major problem. I saw Dr. Winder again in the early fall of 1997. He told me that Scripp's was a waste of time and money but had nothing new to offer me in the way of treatment. He did feel that I WAS depressed and that this was aggravating my condition.
I have always felt quite normal while sitting, driving or lying down. I have NEVER suffered any memory or concentration problems and even now, at age 77, have no problem playing bridge or focusing on ideas. I have tried to adjust to my handicap as well as possible. Living in a Northern climate is difficult at best. I have switched to flat shoes when I go out and I use a cane or, preferably, hold onto someone. At home, I wear only heavy socks and no shoes. For whatever reason - normal aging or a worsening of sypmtoms - I am more and more unstable. I am terrified of falling and walking is exhausting from the stress of trying to balance. I get very tense when I have to go out and now avoid many excursions out especially to crowded areas. Stairs are almost impossible for me to negotiate. I recently had yet another private MRI on a larger machine and the results were again normal. I feel best in the morning with my symptoms worsening as the day progresses. I KNOW depression is now a problem but I am very reluctant to take any further medication. I am currently taking Vasotec (for blood pressure), Fosamax (osteoporosis), Lipitrol (cholesterol) and Restoril (sleep aid).
I have read all the posted case histories and no one seems to have symptoms identical to mine. I get no advice (that I am willing to follow) from my doctors here and not much empathy - perhaps due to my age. I would appreciate any feedback from anyone with similar symptoms to mine if they have found any helpful medication and/or procedure. I recently found a physiotherapist who specializes in vestibular disorders and have an appointment with her in a week (as of writing this).