The MdDS Foundation supports clinical and translational research studies and unites investigators with an interest in studying this disorder. There are promising scientific developments on the horizon.
Kissimmee, FL, August 2024 – Lt. Cmdr. Charlotte Hughes presented research findings at the 2024 Military Health System Research Symposium (MHSRS).
Lt. Cmdr. Charlotte Hughes, a Navy ENT/otologist, studied the effects of a ship’s motion on cognitive performance, which was the focus of her presentation, “Exploring the Impact of Mal de Debarquement Syndrome on Cognitive Function in Sailors: A Study Aboard the USNS Mercy (T-AH 19)”. A Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) researcher and the ENT residency associate program director, Hughes collected the data while she was underway aboard USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) during her deployment for Pacific Partnership 2024.
The optokinetic (OKN) reflex and the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) are nervous system functions that work together to stabilize the eyes and visual images during head movements.
Research focused on understanding the fundamental building blocks and building foundational knowledge. Expanding our understanding serves as the basis for further applied research and innovation.
The MdDS Foundation is developing a global patient registry that aims to aid in finding answers to important questions about the natural history of MdDS. Using the IAMRARE® platform powered by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD®), the MdDS Patient Registry will gather information through validated surveys and custom questionnaires. Deidentified patient data will help researchers explore potential treatments or launch clinical trials. Similarly, aggregated patient data will be analyzed to inform healthcare providers of information to improve standards of care. In addition, patients will have the opportunity to be notified about MdDS clinical trials as well as view their data in comparison to others within the registry. Learn more about the IAMRARE® program and be on the lookout for information about the Mal de Debarquement Syndrome Patient Registry in the near future.
