National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Mal de debarquement syndrome


Other Names:
MdDS; Mal de debarquement; Sickness of disembarkment; MdDS; Mal de debarquement; Sickness of disembarkment; Disembarkment syndrome See More
Categories:
Mal de debarquement syndrome is a neurological disorder that most commonly develops following an ocean cruise or other type of water travel and less commonly following air travel, train travel, or other motion experiences. The symptoms typically reported include: persistent sensation of motion such as rocking, swaying, and/or bobbing, difficulty maintaining balance, anxiety, fatigue, unsteadiness, and difficulty concentrating. The symptoms may be last anywhere from a month to years. Symptoms may or may not go away with time; however, they may reoccur following another motion experience or during periods of stress or illness.[1] Although there is no known cure for mal de debarquement syndrome, there is evidence that some patients have responded positively to antidepressants or anti-seizure medications. Customized vestibular therapy and exercise routines may also be effective.[2] 
Last updated: 1/11/2018
Treatment options for mal de debarquement syndrome (MdDS) are limited.[3][4][5][6] Most drugs that work for other forms of dizziness do not work for MdDS. On some cases, medications classified as vestibular suppressants, such as anti-depressants and anti-seizure medications, may be used.[2] Customized vestibular therapy like optokinetic stimulation has been effective in some cases.[2][4] In recent years, a renewed interest in understanding the underlying cause of MdDS has led to new treatment options, including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation.[5] More studies into these treatment options are needed.
Last updated: 1/11/2018

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Mal de debarquement syndrome. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Social Networking Websites

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.
  • The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) conducts and supports biomedical and behavioral research and research training in the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language. Click on the link to view information on this topic. 
  • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a report for patients and families about this condition. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.

In-Depth Information

  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Mal de debarquement syndrome. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Selected Full-Text Journal Articles

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  1. About Mal de Débarquement Syndrome. MdDS Foundation. http://mddsfoundation.org/about/. Accessed 1/11/2018.
  2. Kramer J. Mal de Debarquement. National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). 2017; http://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/mal-de-debarquement/.
  3. Cha YH. Mal de debarquement syndrome: new insights. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2015 Apr; 1343:63-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25726862.
  4. Dai M, Cohen B, Smouha E, Cho C. Readaptation of the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex Relieves the Mal De Debarquement Syndrome. Front Neurol. 2014 Jul 15; 5:124. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4097942/.
  5. Cha YH, Cui Y, Baloh RW. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for Mal de Debarquement Syndrome. Otol Neurotol. 2013 Jan; 34(1):175-179. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3529198/.
  6. Shou G, Yuan H, Urbano D, Cha YH, Ding L. Changes of symptom and EEG in mal de debarquement syndrome patients after repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation over bilateral prefrontal cortex: a pilot study. Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2014; 2014:4294-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25570942.