Mal De Debarquement Syndrome: An Often Unrecognized and Unreported Condition

Mal de debarquement syndrome (MdDS), also known as "the sickness of disembarkment," is characterized by a persistent bobbing, rocking, or swaying sensation reported by patients long after they have completed travel on a boat or other forms of extended transportation. A detailed patient history, focusing on specific inquiries about recent boat or ship travel, is crucial for a timely diagnosis. The syndrome is unique in that reintroducing similar movements, such as driving, swinging, or returning to the boat, alleviates symptoms temporarily. We describe the case history of a 28-year-old male who experienced a persistent illusion of ground movement for six months following a fishing expedition. The patient reported alleviated symptoms when re-exposed to movements such as driving or swinging. The patient had undergone extensive medical workups and imaging tests under multiple physicians before being diagnosed with MdDS. MdDS is a commonly misdiagnosed, underdiagnosed, unreported, and unrecognized condition. Diagnosing MdDS requires a detailed medical and travel history, accompanying an understanding that the symptoms improve upon re-exposure to the same or similar motion.