Motion Exposure, Cognitive Impairment, and Risk Factors for Mal de Débarquement Syndrome

In addition to monitoring a ship’s motion, researchers used advanced machine learning to analyze outcomes. Their findings revealed that the magnitude and pattern of the ship’s motion in combination with a medical history of migraine and motion sensitivity—are the strongest predictors of who develops a decline in post-voyage cognition and an increase in acute MdDS symptoms. By understanding these conditions and unique traits, researchers can move away from guesswork and closer to early risk identification and targeted, real-world treatment solutions.

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A Sensory Adaptation Program for Individuals With Mal de Débarquement Syndrome: A Case Series

This case series evaluated a 3-week sensory adaptation program for Mal de débarquement syndrome (MdDS), a rare condition causing persistent oscillatory sensations after prolonged passive motion. Clinically meaningful improvements in perceived oscillatory motion, dynamic gait, and patient-reported function (as measured by the Visual Analog Scale, NRS, Functional Gait Assessment, and PSFS 2.0) were observed, with no adverse events. At 3 months, 7 of 10 participants sustained PSFS 2.0 improvement and 6 of 10 sustained NRS improvement, supporting the feasibility of the program and the need for future efficacy studies.

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Persistent Oscillating Vertigo From Extracranial Venous Compression

Persistent oscillating vertigo (POV) can be triggered by motion, when it is called mal de débarquement syndrome (MdDS) but can also occur from nonmotion triggers such as neck injury, inflammation, or homeostatic derangements (nonmotion POV [nmPOV]). The pathology underlying MdDS and nmPOV is unknown but shared symptoms include rocking/bobbing/swaying vertigo, headache, cognitive slowing, and fatigue.

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Suspected Mal de Debarquement Syndrome: a case report highlighting the difficulty in diagnosis and management

MdDS is syndrome of oscillating vertigo following cessation of passive motion. The pathogenesis of this disorder is not well understood, but functional imaging studies suggest cortical connectivity dysfunction in feedback loops of the vestibulo-ocular system and visuo-spatial system. Patients go through multiple appointments and often specialist referrals before being diagnosed. After diagnosis, optimal management is difficult. Several treatment modalities, including medication, vestibular rehabilitation, and neuromodulation, have had variable success in management. We present the case of a young, female active duty Air Force Captain who developed symptoms while deployed. She underwent multiple treatments with variable success. Her clinical course highlights the difficulties for patients and providers posed by suspected MdDS.

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Treating dizziness: a case series

This case series presents the clinical assessment and diagnosis of two patients with persistent vertigo from two separate etiologies who remained refractory to typical interventions; and discusses the outcomes of individualized, targeted, multisystem management provided by a chiropractor.

Vertigo is defined as the sensation of self-motion when no self-motion is occurring or the sensation of distorted self-motion during otherwise normal movement. Vertigo may have a number of etiologies which include vascular, neoplastic, infectious, toxic or physiologic.

In this case series, two patients suffered from physiologic forms of vertigo. The diagnoses included persistent postural perceptual dizziness (PPPD) and Mal de Debarquement syndrome (MdDS). Both were diagnosed by neurootology specialists and remained refractory to standard interventions.

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Mal de Debarquement Syndrome: A Case Presentation of a Vestibular Enigma

Abstract Mal de Debarquement (MdD) is a rare vestibular disorder characterized by a rocking or swaying sensation following passive motion exposure, such as boat or airplane travel. The etiology and pathogenesis are unknown. Due to a lack of clinical awareness and research, it is underrecognized and misdiagnosed. We present a case of a 37-year-old male […]

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