The illness of disembarkment - Mal de debarquement syndrome (MdDS)

Abstract

Mal de debarquement syndrome, also commonly referred to as disembarkment syndrome, is a neurological condition typically presenting after a cruise, flight or another event involving prolonged motion. Mal de débarquement is a French phrase translated as illness of disembarkment. Diagnosis of Disembarkment Syndrome (MdDS) is often provided by a neurologist or ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist after an individual complains of a continuous sensation of swaying, rocking or bobbing. There are a few linked symptoms with most of them being typical vestibular disorders such as imbalance, unsteadiness, visual-motion sensitivity, brain fog and anxiety. The most reported onset of MdDS happens due to passive motion exposure. Individuals suffering from this type of onset are being denoted as Motion-Triggered (MT) MdDS patients. As most of the vestibular testing proves to come out as negative, doctors can be baffled while attempting the diagnosis. MdDS cannot be explained by the brain, nor the inner ear pathology, and it most commonly is an answer to a major trigger although it can also occur spontaneously. This syndrome varies from a highly common condition known as the "land sickness", which is experienced for a short period after a car ride, cruise, aircraft flight or even a treadmill exercise with the duration ranging from a few minutes to a few hours. Since 2020, the syndrome is gaining more attention due to an increasing number of individuals suffering from this condition and more scientific input has started to determine the triggers and treatment for MdDS.