My first episode of disequilibrium came after I took a 7 day cruise to the Carribean. I had been under extreme stess for over a year and a half with a legal matter (which finally settled) in addition to my regular work as an RN in an acute care area in a very busy hospital. Needless to say I was mentally and physically exhausted--when I was finally able to take a couple of weeks off. I thought a cruise would be the most relaxing thing I could do---and since I had taken a week long cruise in the past with only a couple of weeks of residual sea legs afterwards (not unusual) I didn't think I would have any problems.
Upon returning from the cruise I once again had the rocky sensation of still being on the boat so I was not surprised. I returned to work thinking this will go away in a few days. I was having a very difficult time maintaining my balance and concentrating on my work. I worked for almost 2 months with this, till I just couldn't stand it and realized I had to see a Dr. I saw a ENT who put me through all the routine tests ENG ect. all the tests were normal but he put me on Antivert and Zanax to control the symptoms--Didn't work! I then saw a Neurologist and had a MRI (which was normal) I was placed on Niacin to increase circulation to the brain --didn't work, and neither did I, approximately 3 months later my symptoms were very light and the next day they were gone. This episode lasted approximately 6 mo. I never got a clear diagnosis, but I knew that was my last cruise.
I resumed my career and the next year flew 11 hours to London, was there for a week, flew home NO PROBLEMS. The following year my work load increased to 60+ hours per week stress levels once again reaching new highs. After working like this for 12 mo. I was finally able to take a vacation. I took a 14 hr. flight to Argentina and was rocky and exausted from the flight, but after a couple of days I was still unstable on my feet and took a spill in the street, I realized these were the same symptoms I had after the cruise. At that point I was sure this was caused by exposure to motion for long periods. I started taking Dramamine before my return flight home which didn't help.
Upon returning to my ENT and repeating all the previous tests he placed me on Valium 15mg., Antivert 75mg. and Dyazide 10 mg. per day. Which put me into such a fog I could bearily get out of bed. I continued this for 3 weeks till I was sick from the medications, which didn't help at all. I finally saw another ENT who retested found nothing, so I had another MRI an MRA both were negative I saw another Neurologist who decided I had a form of migraine and put me on 6 ginger caps. a day when that didn't work after 3 wks. he wanted to put me back on antivert 50mg./day -- I reminded him I had already taken 75mg. of antivert per day when I was first seen -- He seemed oblivous and was content with his recomendation. I was on my way for second opinion!! At that point I decided a complete physical was in order I saw a Dr. of Internal Medicine, who sent me to yet another ENT and another Neurologist---
Good news ! The Neurologist admitted he had no idea what was wrong but knew who to see for vistibular disorders---he refered me to Dr. Baloh at UCLA. After hearing my history and examining me I was correctly diagnosed with MDD. At least I now knew what I had--the Bad News --no known cure! and no way of knowing when this will go away! Now my career is on hold, and my life is impaired to say the least. I am currently in my 10th month of MDD. I am not able to work with this constant feeling of motion and what this does to one's ability to concentrate is unbelievable! I have also noticed that stress and fatigue make the symptoms much worse. But riding in a car I feel normal, I have problems crashing into things, and my husband has broken my fall numerous times by holding on to me when we walk. I have tried everything to break this syndrome. Walking and increasing activity help, and it is weird how some days are so light you thinnk it is going away and then other days you feel like you're in a hurricane with nothing to hold onto.
Rx's I have tried
Dramamine
Valium/Ativan/Dyazide/Niacin
Scopolamine patch
Ginger caps
Glinko biloba
Vertigo Heal (homeopathic)
Effexor
Stelizine
Restaril
currently taking Neurotonin--NO positive results yet.
I am convinced that after having this syndrome twice---both times proceeded by prolonged high levels of stress and fatigue, these are definant factors that contribute to the developement of this syndrome. I have flown many times prior to my first episode (caused by the cruise) and flew after that episode with out problems, the only common factor between the two episods for me was stress and fatigue, I believe this really sets you up for this syndrome. Age, and sex are obviously contributing factors as well. I am now seeing a Neurologist who is excited and challenged that he has a patient with this rare syndrome, he is very interested in finding the cure. This website is a tremendous help to everyone suffering with MDD, my heartfelt thanks to Evan for creating it. Will continue to search for the cure....till then spontaneous remission would be good!!!