What is Mal de Débarquement Syndrome?

Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS) is a neurological disorder characterized by persistent rocking, swaying, bobbing, and pulling sensations in the absence of actual motion. An important diagnostic feature of the syndrome is that the sensation of movement, or rocking vertigo, seems to be alleviated when in passive motion, such as riding in a car.

Also known as Disembarkment Syndrome, MdDS most often develops following a cruise or other type of water travel; exposure need not be sustained or lengthy. MdDS has also been reported following air, train, and automobile travel; and less commonly after repeated elevator use, walking on docks, from the use of virtual reality equipment, or practically any motion experience. MdDS occurs in both genders and in all age groups but current statistics demonstrate the highest reported incidence in females between the ages of 30–60. While MdDS most commonly presents after travel, for some onset is without an associated motion event.

MdDS may persist for months to years, and there is a likelihood of recurrence after an initial onset. Many people experience the more common entity known as “sea legs” upon alighting from travel experiences. “Sea legs” are a transient, normal response to travel which generally resolves within a few weeks.

Symptoms usually begin immediately after the cessation of the motion stimulus, but occasionally there can be a short delay between the end of travel and the onset of symptoms. The symptoms tend to be more noticeable in enclosed spaces or when attempting to be motionless (sitting, lying down, or standing in a stationary position). Additionally, the sensation of motion is often associated with anxiety, fatigue, difficulty maintaining balance, unsteadiness, and difficulty concentrating (impaired cognitive function).

Mal de Débarquement Syndrome does have a diagnosis code in the ICD-10 for billing: 2025 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R42.

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FAQs

MdDS is a central vestibular (neurological) disorder. It is not a peripheral vestibular (inner ear) disorder or a disease. In the peer-reviewed research article, Metabolic and Functional Connectivity Changes in Mal de Debarquement Syndrome, author Yoon-Hee Cha, MD, et al discuss the areas of the brain associated with persistent MdDS.

What does MdDS stand for? And is there an easier name?

MdDS is the acronym for Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (Fr.), which translates to sickness upon disembarking (leaving a boat or other vehicle). The disorder is also known as Disembarkment Syndrome, disembarkation syndrome, debarquement syndrome or colloquially as landsickness. It is less commonly known as Persistent Mal de Debarquement (PMdD), Rocking Dizziness or Rocking Vertigo.

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About the Disorder & FAQ MdDS Foundation 8:02 am