Mal de Barquement Syndrome is a neurological condition that typically develops after prolonged exposure to passive motion, such as on a boat, airplane, or train. It is characterized by a persistent sensation of rocking, swaying, or even bobbing long after the motion has stopped.
This occurs due to a mismatch or a conflict among the vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive systems, leading to this persistent illusion of motion.
The vestibular system, which includes the semicircular canals and otolith organs, plays a primary role in detecting motion and maintaining balance. The otoliths are among the brain’s most potent receptors, helping us distinguish where we are in space and interpret the effects of gravity on us. If this system becomes maladaptive and does not return to its normal state following this passive motion, there will be a continued movement or motion sensation.
The vestibular system integrates information with the visual and proprioceptive systems and creates a sense of stability. All of these factors are calibrated within the brain and, when disrupted, can cause various problems, including the sensation of rocking, swaying, or bobbing.
There are neurological projections from the vestibular system to the autonomic nervous system. When the system is not providing proper feedback, it can amplify the body’s stress response or place it in a fight-or-flight situation. This can lead to other symptoms to including Some of the e anxiety, headaches, fatigue, postural issues, primarily with the cervical spine, vertigo, and even cognitive issues. It can also lead to Tinnitus or hypersensitivity to sounds.
As mentioned, the proprioceptive system plays an integral part in this condition. It continues to provide feedback about body position in space, and when this system is disrupted or affected, it can lead to the feeling of continued motion.
The visual system is the other essential component in the integration of movement. The visual ocular reflex can be affected by Mal de Barquement syndrome. This reflex allows us to keep our eyes fixed on an object as there is movement all around us. For example, if you are walking, you can stay fixated on an object, and the object is not moving all over the place. However, if you videotape this object while walking, there is a lot of movement because the camera has no VOR.
When the calibration of these three systems is affected, it directly affects the cerebellum. The cerebellum helps coordinate movement and balance and assists in recalibrating sensory feedback. It also integrates with the frontal lobe, sending 20 million projections to the frontal lobe. This can affect focus, motivation, and attention and even be a factor in depression.
Treatment and Management
1. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): Tailored exercises to retrain the brain’s ability to integrate sensory inputs and adapt to a stationary environment.
2. Visual and Vestibular Desensitization: Techniques like gaze stabilization and optokinetic stimulation may help realign sensory inputs.
3. Neuromodulation: In some cases, noninvasive brain stimulation methods, such as photobiomodulation or low-voltage galvanic current, have shown promise.
Mal de Barquement Syndrome is a complex condition involving multiple sensory and neurological systems. Effective management often requires a multidisciplinary approach to treatment that targets these systems.
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