More Mal de Debarquement Syndrome ... How one sufferer found relief In response to A life on the ocean wave I took a 4 hour ferry crossing, followed by a couple of short ferry trips island hopping whilst on holiday. After 4 days I suddenly felt the sensation of being on a boat (swaying, imbalance) whilst on land. This sensation continued constantly for 3 months, often feeling much worse in the evening, especially if tired. It was relieved when driving, made worse when standing especially with neck bent (eg. ironing, preparing veg etc). In the earlier stages walking appeared drunken, but this settled although often I would stagger having lost balance when turning. Serc prescribed by the GP didn't help. Gradually I developed numbness to the side of my face, tinnitus, small flashes of bright light and sharp headaches. In the week of my appointment with a neurology consultant, it began to improve, a week later all symptoms had gone. Still waiting for an MRI scan, but not expecting any problems. I found symptoms were eventually helped by doing what's most difficult! ie. moving about as much as poss., when it was worse it helped to walk outdoors watching the horizon. Working with PC, reading, close work, loud noises all made it worse. It can feel like it will never go away, and for some it is prolonged. This is very hard to cope with, but rest, avoid stress, exercise by moving about, walking, gardening etc, avoid the temptation to hold your head still (literally sometimes) and 'push' it away. Fight back! Good luck. Comment on this article Tell us your story