Mal de Debarquement Syndrome

A persistent rocking sensation after travel by sea or air

Overview

Mal de debarquement syndrome is a persistent sensation of rocking, bobbing, or swaying that begins after passive motion such as a cruise, flight, or long car journey and continues long after the travel has ended. Brief rocking after disembarking is common and normal; the syndrome refers to symptoms that last for a month or more. Characteristically, the sensation eases while in motion again, such as driving. It is thought to reflect maladaptation of the brain to motion rather than inner ear damage. It is more often reported in women, and research into its mechanisms is ongoing.