Mal De Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS) is a rare neurological condition. People feel a persistent rocking, swaying, or bobbing sensation. It usually starts after travel by boat, plane, or other passive motion. The name means “sickness of disembarkment” in French.
Symptoms often ease when you are re-exposed to motion, like riding in a car. This is a unique feature of MdDS.
Common symptoms
- Rocking, swaying or bobbing sensation
- Imbalance and unsteadiness
- Visual motion sensitivity
- Brain fog, anxiety, or low mood
- Symptoms often improve when in motion (e.g. in a car)
Why does it happen?
The brain adapts to continuous motion during travel. Once the movement stops, it sometimes struggles to readjust. This results in a lingering sense of motion even when still. It affects mostly women aged 40–50, and may relate to hormonal or neurological factors.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is clinical and based on your history. Tests are often normal, so MdDS is usually diagnosed by excluding other conditions.
What are the treatments?
- Optokinetic therapy has shown success (individual outcomes vary)
- Medications may be used to manage symptoms like anxiety or sleep issues
- Stress management and supportive therapies can help
- Vestibular rehabilitation may assist
Take this with you
This page is drawn from our Mal De Debarquement Syndrome handout, which you can download and take to your GP or specialist.
Download the Mal De Debarquement Syndrome handout (PDF)