MdDS

Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MDDS) is a neurological condition defined by a persistent sensation of self-motion, such as rocking, swaying, or bobbing, after exposure to passive movement. Symptoms usually begin soon after disembarking from ships or other vehicles and can last weeks to months, sometimes years. Unlike transient seasickness, the illusion of motion persists after motion stops.

Most cases follow prolonged passive motion, particularly sea travel, but onset can follow air or land travel and even abrupt emotional stress. The exact cause is unknown. The leading hypothesis involves maladaptive plasticity in central vestibular pathways and altered integration of visual, proprioceptive, and vestibular inputs.

Diagnosis is clinical and by exclusion; there is no widely validated test for MDDS. Clinicians may perform vestibular and neurologic examinations, audiology, balance testing, and brain imaging to rule out other disorders. MdDS is often categorized into motion-onset and non-motion-triggered forms.

Treatment focuses on symptom management and adaptation. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy and balance training help some patients. Medications such as benzodiazepines or antidepressants are used selectively, though evidence is limited. Some reports describe benefit from transcranial magnetic stimulation or other neuromodulation, mainly in small studies. Psychological support can aid coping with anxiety and sleep disturbance.

Prognosis varies; many people improve over weeks to months, while others experience chronic symptoms. The condition is considered rare and appears to have female predominance in reported series. Ongoing research aims to identify neural mechanisms and effective therapies.