Mal de Débarquement Syndrome | American Brain Foundation

In the past decade, researchers have made an increased effort to study and understand MdDS, and there are many ongoing efforts to increase awareness and knowledge about this condition. One ongoing MdDS research study seeks to improve symptoms by teaching the vestibular system to adapt. 

Other studies are examining eye movement patterns in people with MdDS. These researchers believe the symptoms of MdDS are caused by difficulties in the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), a mechanism that helps stabilize the eyes while the head is in motion. One team of researchers has developed a technique to re-calibrate the VOR for people with MdDS by combining specific head movements with corresponding movements of a person’s visual surroundings. While this could be the first effective treatment for MdDS, more research is needed.

Additionally, researchers now believe that MdDS can arise spontaneously, without the passive motion triggers once believed to be its sole cause. This understanding led researchers to name two MdDS subtypes, based on what causes the onset of symptoms. 

Motion-triggered MdDS (MT MdDS) is used to describe cases triggered by passive motion events. Non-motion or spontaneous/other MdDS (SO MdDS) occurs in the absence of a triggering event. This type of MdDS may be related to stressful events such as surgeries, traumas, and childbirth.