What is Alice in Wonderland Syndrom (AIWS)

Do you remember the story “Alice in Wonderland” that our mothers used to tell us before bed? Alice’s size was changing, sometimes she might get bigger and other times she would get smaller. But in the end you realize it was all a dream.

From children’s stories, we move to medicine. Have you ever heard of Alice in Wonderland Syndrome? A rare syndrome, but it exists in reality and not a dream like the well-known story for children. What is this syndrome and what are its symptoms and treatment? Follow this article to find out the answers.

What is Alice in Wonderland Syndrome?

It is a rare disease that causes temporary episodes of distorted perception and confusion, in which the patient feels that he is bigger or smaller than he actually is, He also feels that the surrounding objects such as furniture and others are shifting and becoming farther or closer than they actually are. Try to imagine the things around you in different sizes and You will know how hard it is.

Alice in Wonderland Syndrome Causes

Perhaps you are now wondering, is this syndrome related to vision problems? You should know, my dear, that this syndrome has absolutely nothing to do with the eyes, nor is it, of course, a hallucination. But it results from changes in how your brain perceives the environment around it and how your body looks. And it affects different senses such as vision, touch, and hearing. Also sometimes the patient loses the sense of time, and feels that it passes faster or slower than it is in reality, like the size of it and the size of what surrounds it.

Scientifically, the main cause of this syndrome has not been fully revealed. However, doctors confirmed that it has nothing to do with the eyes, hallucinations, or mental or neurological disease. But they believe that the unusual electrical activity in the brain causes abnormal blood flow to the parts of the brain responsible for processing and analyzing the patient’s environment and testing his visual perception.

Discovering Alice in Wonderland Syndrome

This phenomenon was discovered for the first time in the fifties of the last century. It was also known as “Todd” syndrome because it was identified by the British psychiatrist “John Todd”. And because the symptoms of this syndrome are very similar to the story of Alice in Wonderland, we will now call it in its new name ‘’Alice In Wonderland” syndrome.

Alice in Wonderland Syndrome Symptoms

Of course, you want to know the symptoms of this syndrome and how the affected patient feels, but it should be noted that it may differ from one person to another, but in general it is:

Migraines.
Perceptual distortion, so the patient does not properly perceive what is around him.
Distorting time, and you find that the order of events is wrong.
Distortion of the sound, so that he cannot perceive the sounds and their sources.
Loss of control over his limbs or loss of coordination between them.

According to the source, one study found that 33% of people with the syndrome suffer from infection. The medical website “Consulto” stated that it could be early symptoms of the Epstein-Barr virus, a virus whose symptoms are associated with fever, sore throat, and lymphadenitis. It also has an effect on the liver and spleen.

Also read: Get to Know Alzheimers Disease

Alice in Wonderland Syndrome Diagnosis

The “Clinical Practice Neurology” website said that on the basis of 169 studies, the causes of the syndrome were divided into 8 main groups, and it can occur alongside neurological disorders that affect adults and the elderly. It is advised to conduct auxiliary examinations such as blood tests, electroencephalography, and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain to detect it more accurately.

Alice in Wonderland Syndrome Treatment

Now we come to the most important part of the article, which is the answer to the question, “What is the treatment for this syndrome?”

Here, we note, my dear, that there is no adequate treatment for this syndrome. But we can help the patient and make him more comfortable in his life and with his permanent symptoms.

We can also treat the causes that led to the emergence of the syndrome, such as treating nervous stress, epilepsy and headaches. You should talk to the doctor about the appropriate treatment for each person and his or her own condition.

Finally, what I want you to conclude here is that as long as the main cause of this syndrome is not known, it may be difficult to know the basic treatment for it. And it’s better to go to the specialist doctor when we feel any of the symptoms that we mentioned in order to reassure and protect ourselves, and we can take a rest until the symptoms that only last for minutes are gone.

Is Alice in Wonderland Syndrome the Same as Schizophrenia?

No, my dear, Alice in Wonderland syndrome and schizophrenia are two separate conditions. Alice in Wonderland syndrome can appear in people with schizophrenia, but this is not very common. There are also many other conditions besides schizophrenia that can cause injury in a person with symptoms of Alice in Wonderland Syndrome.

I remind you that there is no need to worry about Alice in Wonderland syndrome, as it is not very common. But the symptoms and causes should not be underestimated. We hope you liked the article and gave you a general idea of this rare and strange syndrome. Stay safe.

Frequently Asked Questions about Alice in Wonderland Syndrome

Why is Alice in Wonderland Syndrome called by this name?

Because of the similarity of her symptoms with the symptoms of Alice in Wonderland. In the story, Alice is larger or smaller than her surroundings, and this is exactly what happens with the patient with this syndrome.

Does Alice in Wonderland Syndrome affect children?

Yes, it is more common in children. Although it does not have a specific age and can appear in anyone of any age.

Is Alice in Wonderland Syndrome dangerous?

It is not considered dangerous in general. But it is important to pay attention to the symptoms, provide care and support for the affected person, take care of him, and try to treat the symptoms or causes that may have led to the occurrence of this syndrome.