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.