The Interconnections of Mal de Débarquement Syndrome and Vestibular Migraine. (2nd November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Beh, Shin C.; Chiang, Hsueh‐Sheng; Sanderson, Collin
• Is Part Of: Laryngoscope. Volume 131:Number 5(2021)
• Page Start: E1653
• Page End: E1661
• Publication Date: 2020-11-02
• Subjects: mal de débarquement syndrome -- vestibular migraine -- vertigo -- dizziness -- migraine; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51005
• DOI: 10.1002/lary.29214
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0023-852X

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives/Hypothesis: Mal de débarquement syndrome (MDDS) is characterized by a persistent rocking sensation, as though on a boat. It may occur following exposure to passive motion (motion‐triggered MDDS [MT‐MDDS]), or spontaneously (spontaneous‐onset MDDS [SO‐MDDS]). This study investigated the characteristics of MDDS patients with vestibular migraine (MDDS‐VM) to those without (MDDS‐O). Study Design: Retrospective review. Methods: Retrospective, single‐center study of 62 patients with MDDS. Clinical characteristics, Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Migraine Disability Assessment Score (MIDAS), job impact, and optimal treatment(s) were studied. Results: There were 23 MDDS‐O (19 women), and 39 MDDS‐VM (35 women) patients. Comparisons between MDDS‐VM and MDDS‐O showed significant differences in age of onset (41 vs. 52 years, P = .005), interictal visually induced dizziness (89.7% vs. 30.4%, P < .001), interictal head motion‐induced dizziness (87.2% vs. 47.8%, P = .001), other vestibular sensations (59% vs. 13%, P < .001), interictal aural symptoms (25.6% vs. 0%, P = .008), number of interictal symptoms (4.3 vs. 2.3, P < .001), total DHI score (54.9 vs. 38.1, P = .005), DHI‐P (physical domain) score (16.1 vs. 10, P = .004), DHI‐F (functional domain) score (20.9 vs. 15.7, P = .016 MIDAS (4.6 vs. 32, P = .002), and job resignations (23.2% vs. 5%, P = .016). On the other hand, between‐group comparisons for MT‐MDDS and SO‐MDDS did not reveal any significant differences whatsoever. For optimal treatment, venlafaxine was the most used (27.3%) in all groups. For MDDS‐VM, antiepileptic drugs and migraine preventive vitamins were also useful in relieving symptoms. Conclusions: MDDS‐VM patients appear to be more disabled than MDDS‐O, in terms of severity of dizziness, job impact, and number of symptoms, but have good potential for improvement, particularly with migraine prophylactic treatment. Level of Evidence: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:E1653–E1661, 2021