Presently, there are no tests that can provide a definitive diagnosis of Mal de Debarquement. However, the tests usually performed are:
- Neurological Examination – eg. MRI scan
- Caloric Test – how responsive the vestibular system is
- Rotary Chair – assess balance function
- Audiogram – test for hearing loss
- Posturography – ability to maintain balance
Your doctor will want to rule out other disorders that may have similar symptoms. MdDS is primarily diagnosed using patient history (such as a recent boat, air or train travel or other motion experience) and process of elimination of other disorders like menieres, BPPV or labyrinthitis.
Quantitative vestibular and neural tests on MdDS sufferers nearly always turn out to be normal and patients commonly go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed.
If you feel a constant rocking sensation and/or abnormal perception of movement which started immediately after a period of motion exposure and remains for days, yet everything else appears to be normal (i.e. you don’t have numbness down one side, or hearing problems etc), then it’s possible that you have MdDS.
Consult your physician to determine which tests are best for you.
For those in America the International Classification diagnostic code for MdDS is R42, included under Syndromes. More information of Diagnosing MdDS can be found on the MdDS Foundation’s website.
Additionally completing Patient Surveys improves the MdDS Foundations ability to educate medical professionals about the true nature of MdDS and can help advance research. Either click on the above link or visit mddsfoundation.org to learn more.