ASHA Learning Pass

This presentation describes the case of a 48-year-old female presenting with vertigo and disequilibrium consistent with mal de debarquement (MdDS) following a weeklong vacation cruise. The subject’s full medical history revealed increasing difficulty with ataxia, headaches, and ambulation over the past few years, with severe exacerbation of symptoms following cruise travel. MRI and vestibular assessment following disembarking from the cruise vessel suggested additional lesion in the central vestibular system, which led to a final diagnosis of MdDS exacerbated by cerebellar degeneration associated with pre-existing Chiari malformation. MRI images, audiometric, and vestibular results are presented, as well as an in-depth review of MdDS and Chiari malformation and their impact on vestibular function and quality of life.

This course is a recorded technical session from the 2021 ASHA Convention Virtual Library (session 4045V).

Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:

• Identify primary symptoms of mal de debarquement syndrome
• Identify primary symptoms of Chiari malformation
• Describe potential medical and nonmedical treatment options for each disorder

Presenter Information

Dr. Elizabeth Adams Costa, PhD, CCC-A, FAAA (Presenting Author), is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at The River School and Chattering Children. Dr. Adams holds a BA from the University of Virginia, and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Gallaudet University. Dr. Adams specializes in development and has expertise in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of children with developmental differences. She has published on topics including parent stress and support, and the assessment and cognitive profiles of children with hearing loss.

Financial Disclosures:

• None

Nonfinancial Disclosures:

• None

Logan Skinner Cole (Nonpresenting Author) has a BS in Communicative Disorders from the University of Alabama and is currently a fourth year Audiology student at the University of South Alabama, completing a fourth year externship at ENT Associates of Alabama at St. Vincent's Hospital in Birmingham.

Financial Disclosures:

• None

Nonfinancial Disclosures:

• None

Amy Nichols, AuD, PhD, CCC-A (Nonpresenting Author), is an assistant professor and clinical coordinator for Audiology at the University of South Alabama for going-on 6 years. Previously a VA Audiologist with the Gulf Coast Healthcare System, Nichols's specialties include evoked potentials and tinnitus management.

Financial Disclosures:

• Employee of the University of South Alabama

Nonfinancial Disclosures:

• None

Assessment Type

Self-assessment—Think about what you learned and report on the Completion Form how you will use your new knowledge.

To earn continuing education credit, you must complete the learning assessment by August 8, 2027.

Program History and CE Information

Content origination date: November 2021
End date: August 8, 2027

This course is offered for 0.05 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate level, Professional area).