Did you know that a rare condition called Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (AIWS) can make you see the world in strange ways? People with this syndrome might suddenly feel like their hands have shrunk, the room has stretched, or objects around them have changed size. It sounds like something out of a fantasy story — but it’s actually your brain momentarily distorting how you see reality.
What is Alice in Wonderland Syndrome?
Alice in Wonderland Syndrome is a neurological condition that makes people see objects, body parts, or even time differently.
- Things may look smaller (micropsia) or larger (macropsia) than they are.
- You might feel like your own body is changing size.
- Sometimes, sounds and distances also feel “off.”
It’s called “Alice in Wonderland” because the symptoms resemble the shrinking and growing scenes from Lewis Carroll’s story. Interestingly, some experts believe the author himself may have had migraines that caused these episodes.
How common is it?
AIWS is rare, but not unheard of. Studies suggest:
- It may affect about 15–20% of people with migraines.
- In children, episodes often appear during or after viral infections.
- Only a few hundred detailed cases have been recorded worldwide — so it’s truly unusual.
Because symptoms can be brief or mild, many people never realize they’ve experienced it.
Source: NIH
What causes it?
AIWS usually happens when the parts of the brain that control vision and perception temporarily misfire. The most common causes include:
- Migraines – the top trigger, especially in adults.
- Viral infections like Epstein–Barr virus in kids.
- Seizures or head injury that affect brain function.
- Stress or lack of sleep, which can make the brain more sensitive.
Most of the time, the episodes don’t last long and fade as the trigger (like migraine or infection) improves.
More info at clevelandclinic.org
Alice in Wonderland Syndrome sounds like a storybook fantasy, but it’s a real brain quirk that can surprise anyone. The good news? It’s rarely dangerous and often short-lived.
You may also be interested in The discovery that saved millions a brief history of antibiotics
Areeeee