• Whenever possible, avoid the back seat when traveling in a car        
• For many, being the driver is better than being a passenger.  If you have to be a passenger, look straight ahead instead of looking from side to side.    
• When taking long trips, stop every couple hours and take a 10-15 minute walk.  This is good for your balance as well as your circulation.

Air Travel:

• Be well rested before your trip        

• Reduce stress by packing early and getting to the airport well in advance  (Stress increases symptoms)        

• Try Earplanes, an earplug sold at most drug stores. One Support Site member says, "I don't take them off until after I disembark and I put them in before the door closes.  They helped me a lot."        

• Sit by the wing section to reduce sensations of flight turbulence 

• Avoid reading        

• Discuss medication options with your physician.  Some Support Site members' physicians have suggested taking benzodiazepines or slightly increasing their dosage prior to and for a short time after air travel.   Benzodiazepines suppress the vestibular system and may help minimize the affects flights have on MdDS symptoms.  While many Support Site members claim this course of action has helped them during travel, clinical studies are required to prove their effectiveness across the population of MdDS sufferers.

This site is designed for those suffering from MdDS (Mal de Debarquement Syndrome) and the health care professionals who treat them.  If you have been diagnosed or suspect that you have MdDS or Disembarkment Syndrome, sign up for a free membership at our support site and review or search the thousands of messages from those who suffer from MdDS. Here, you will find caring people who understand what it is like to live with this rare balance disorder; members are from all over the world. Please join us to share and learn from others.

The MdDS Balance Disorder Foundation is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit PA foundation dedicated to promoting awareness of Mal de Debarquement Syndrome and seeking treatments and a cure for people suffering from this disorder.