How Long Does Mal de Debarquement Last?

Do you know what “mal de debarquement” means? It’s a French phrase that translates to “the sickness of disembarking,” and it’s a common ailment for those that work at sea or enjoy traveling by sea. However, if you’re having issues with your vestibular system, this uncomfortable sensation can occur even when you’re landlocked. How long does mal de debarquement last?

How Long Does Mal de Debarquement Last?

Have you ever heard someone talk about “getting their sea legs” when they go on a cruise or other long boat trip? It’s a funny expression, but it actually refers to an important function of your vestibular system. When you get on a boat, it can literally rock your sense of balance. The constant moving of the ship, combined with turbulence in the water, makes your inner ear work overtime to keep you on your feet.

If you’ve ever spent some time at sea, you may have noticed that you felt a little wobbly once you were back on land. This wobbliness is “mal de debarquement.” This condition makes people feel like they’re still standing on the deck of a ship despite the fact that they’re safely ashore. It feels like the world is still moving around them, even when they’re holding still. In addition to feeling like you’re still at sea, it can have other symptoms too:

• Nausea
• Exhaustion
• Depression
• Confusion

While the effects typically clear up in a few hours after returning to land, they can last for as long as two days. Symptoms can also return, or increase in intensity, if the condition is triggered. For some people, it does not go away without medical intervention.

How Can I Avoid Mal de Debarquement?

If you’re prone to dizziness and motion sickness, getting on a boat is probably not an activity you look forward to anyways. However, if you are susceptible to mal de debarquement, you should know that there are more triggers than just being on the water:

• Intense visual stimulation, like flashing lights or video games
• Car travel, air travel, and even train/subway travel
• Stress and mental unease
• Being in a claustrophobic space, like an elevator

In other words, even if you never set foot on a boat in your life, you could still experience this condition. Doctors aren’t sure where it comes from, but they know it’s more common in women between the ages of 30 and 60. It’s also more common in migraine sufferers. More research is needed to truly understand this disorder.

What Can I Do About It?

For some people, mal de debarquement is a one-time problem that they can wait out, typically feeling better within a couple of days. However, if you are prone to mal de debarquement, you may find yourself looking for medical intervention. Mal de debarquement is a rare balance disorder, and it may be challenging to get a doctor to diagnose it properly. This is why we recommend working with a balance specialist if you suspect you may be suffering from it. Unlike a general practitioner, a balance specialist will be familiar with the signs of mal de debarquement and will be able to recommend appropriate treatments.

Once you have been diagnosed, there are a number of options available to you. Some people find a lot of benefit in vestibular rehabilitation therapy, which can help your body regain a healthy sense of balance. There are also lifestyle changes that can help, such as getting better sleep and avoiding stress. If you suspect you may be suffering from mal de debarquement, you should know help is waiting for you.

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How long does mal de debarquement last? The initial symptoms can clear up within a few days. However, if it’s a repeat problem for you, don’t take it on alone. Let the experts at the National Dizzy and Balance Center get you back on your feet.