New treatment approach for Mal de Débarquement Syndrome using VR technology

Developing Robust Treatment Options for Mal de Débarquement Syndrome

Not applicable Interventional Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NCT05460520

This study is testing whether virtual reality goggles can help people with Mal de Débarquement Syndrome feel better when used with regular therapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 78 Years
SexAll
SponsorIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT05460520 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to enhance treatment options for Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS) by testing the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) goggles to generate visual motion for therapy. The investigators will evaluate the effectiveness of this VR-based approach alongside traditional vestibular rehabilitation techniques to improve patient outcomes. The study will also explore complementary interventions to reduce sensitivity to physical movement and visually induced dizziness, which are common symptoms of MdDS. By broadening access to effective treatment, the goal is to enable local therapy options for patients and improve long-term symptom management.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with Mal de Débarquement Syndrome who show significant symptom improvement with passive motion.

Not a fit: Patients with abnormal vestibular function, confounding neurological disorders, or those who have previously undergone VOR readaptation treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a more accessible and effective treatment option for patients suffering from MdDS.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of VR technology in vestibular therapy is innovative, previous studies have shown promising results with traditional VOR readaptation techniques, suggesting potential for success with this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Conformable diagnosis of Mal de Débarquement Syndrome including significant improvement of symptoms with passive motion.

Exclusion Criteria:

* A history of abnormal inner ear or central vestibular function indicated by abnormal nystagmography test (abnormal saccades or pursuit, VOR suppression index \<85%, no caloric response, decay time constant of response to rotation less than 10 seconds, spontaneous nystagmus).
* Confounding neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, epilepsy, blindness etc.).
* A history of leg, spine, or other injuries that affect their ability to stand or walk without assisting support.
* High level of anxiety as indicated by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (≥75) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (≥55).
* Claustrophobia.
* Patients previously treated with VOR readaptation technique are excluded.

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Mal de Débarquement Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.