Mal de Debarquement Syndrome: A Rare Entity—A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract EN

Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MDS) is a rare, understudied, underdiagnosed, and self-limiting condition.

Etiology and incidence are unknown.

It is characterized by abnormal sensation of motion/balance reported after travel by air, land, and sea; being reexposed to motion/activity relieves it.

Symptoms may last from minutes to years.

Workup though required reveals no findings; it is a diagnosis of exclusion.

While no efficacious treatment exists, amitriptyline and benzodiazepines as well as supportive therapy have proved to be useful.

We have described a 40-year-old Caucasian female who presented for the evaluation of persistent rocking and swaying sensation after a ship cruise which lasted for one week.

Patient was treated with benzodiazepines after extensive workup and is now stable.

A high index of suspicion is required to make a diagnosis.