A Sensory Adaptation Program for Individuals With Mal de Débarquement Syndrome: A Case Series

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vestibular Disorders
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Mal de débarquement syndrome (MdDS) involves persistent oscillatory sensations after passive motion exposure.
• Impaired sensory re-adaptation is a potential contributing factor to MdDS.
• Limited research exists on sensory adaptation exercises for MdDS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a sensory adaptation program for MdDS patients.
• To evaluate changes in perceived oscillatory motion, balance, and function.
• To assess the feasibility of the intervention program retrospectively.

Main Methods:

• Ten participants with MdDS underwent a 3-week program with 9 sessions.
• Interventions included education, sensory adaptation, and functional mobility exercises.
• Outcomes measured included perceived motion severity, balance tests, and patient-reported function.

Main Results:

• All participants completed the study with no adverse events.
• Clinically meaningful improvements were noted in perceived motion, gait, and patient function.
• Sustained improvements in perceived motion and function were observed at 3 months post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• The sensory adaptation program is feasible for MdDS patients.
• The program led to improvements in perceived motion, gait, and function.
• Further efficacy studies are recommended to validate these findings.