Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Mal de Debarquement Syndrome

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Mal de Debarquement Syndrome

The goal of this study is to determine whether external neuromodulation using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can reduce the perception of self-motion that is experienced by individuals with mal de debarquement syndrome (MdDS). Mal de debarquement is translated as the "sickness of disembarkment," and refers to the chronic feeling of rocking dizziness that occurs after exposure to passive motion. Treatment for MdDS is limited and morbidity is high. The goal of the study is to determine whether rTMS can suppress the rocking dizziness of MdDS.

Participants will maintain web-based diaries of their symptoms for two weeks prior to treatment with rTMS. Up to 20 treatments with rTMS with either anatomically or functionally determined targets will be administered. Post treatment diaries will continue for up to 12 weeks after rTMS administration.

Inclusion criteria:

1. Age ≥18 years old
2. Willing and capable of interacting with the informed consent process
3. Primary disorder being a persistent rocking dizziness triggered by passive motion such as from water, land, or air travel and with no other central nervous system or peripheral vestibular disorder determined after appropriate evaluation.

Exclusion criteria:

1. Subjects who cannot comply with study conditions.
2. Active psychiatric condition such as mania or psychosis
3. Unstable medical condition
4. Implanted metal anywhere in the body (infusion pumps, pacemakers, metal or shrapnel in the body, deep brain stimulators, aneurysm clips, metal prostheses, joints, rods or plates). Dental fillings are acceptable.
5. Personal history of seizures or a first-degree relative with epilepsy
6. Medications known to lower seizure threshold such as: typical (high-potency) neuroleptics and tricyclic antidepressants: Subjects who take one or a combination of the following drugs will be excluded: imipramine, amitriptyline, doxepin, nortriptyline, maprotiline, chlorpromazine. clozapine, foscarnet, ganciclovir, ritonavir, amphetamines, cocaine (including MDMA, ecstasy), phencyclidine (PCP, angel's dust), ketamine, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), theophylline, haloperidol, fluphenazine, bupropion.
7. Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant during study enrollment.