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How do you get rid of vertigo after a cruise?

This can be achieved with gaze stabilisation exercises, weight bearing aerobic activity or even walking within a controlled environment. At Brainstorm we assist with the reorganisation of the internal motor models of the brain through various therapeutic procedures.



Vertigo after a cruise, often called Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS) or "land sickness," is a common sensation where your brain continues to feel the motion of the ocean even after you've returned to solid ground. In 2026, the most effective way to get rid of this feeling is to re-synchronize your senses. First, keep your eyes on the horizon or a distant stationary object when outdoors, and avoid looking at moving objects like passing cars. Taking an over-the-counter antihistamine like meclizine (Dramamine Less Drowsy) can help calm the inner ear. Gentle exercise, such as walking in a straight line, helps your vestibular system recalibrate. Using acupressure bands on your wrists can also provide relief for some. It is a "pro-tip" to stay hydrated and avoid heavy, spicy foods or alcohol, which can exacerbate the dizziness. Most cases of "post-cruise swaying" resolve on their own within 24 to 48 hours. However, if the vertigo persists for more than a week or is accompanied by severe headaches, you should consult a doctor, as they may prescribe vestibular rehabilitation exercises or a brief course of medication to help your brain "reset" to a stationary environment.

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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.

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Start in an upright, seated position on your bed. Tilt your head around a 45-degree angle away from the side causing your vertigo. Move into the lying position on one side with your nose pointed up. Stay in this position for about 30 seconds or until the vertigo eases off, whichever is longer.

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MdDS usually goes away on its own within 24 hours. If it doesn't, your healthcare provider will probably need to rule out other conditions, like vestibular migraines. This may take some trial and error. Though it may be frustrating, it can take a while to find a solution that works best for you.

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The disorder is called mal de debarquement syndrome. “It is a phenomenon that isn't fully understood,” says audiologist Julie Honaker, PhD CCC-A, Director of Cleveland Clinic's Vestibular and Balance Disorders Laboratories. “We think it may have to do with the brain rather than the inner ears.”

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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.

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Vertigo Diet – Avoiding Foods that Are High in Sodium Besides avoiding the salt shaker, you also should watch out for foods that start out high in sodium. Some of the worst culprits include potato chips, canned soups, microwave dinners, and fast food.

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Most medications for dizziness or motion sickness such as meclizine, dimenhydrinate, and scopolamine are not useful in MdDS. Anxiolytics may temporarily improve symptoms, with benzodiazepines likely to provide the most benefit. 4 Clonazepam is often preferred due to its longer half-life.

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