Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (AIWS), named after the basic kids’s novel, is a uncommon neurological dysfunction that makes the as soon as acquainted world really feel unusual and distorted. |Photograph credit score: Wikimedia Commons
Think about that second while you really feel like you are going to fall down the rabbit gap. Not a literal fall, however a sudden change when one’s senses are betrayed. One second all the pieces is regular, and the following the teacup appears surprisingly giant, the chair throughout the room appears to be like surprisingly small, and even your individual arms appear to develop and contract. This surreal and dizzying expertise could sound like a scene from a Lewis Carroll novel. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. However for some folks, it may possibly really occur. Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (AIWS), named after the basic kids’s novel, is a uncommon neurological dysfunction that makes the as soon as acquainted world really feel unusual and distorted.
What’s Alice in Wonderland syndrome?
Alice in Wonderland syndrome, also referred to as Todd syndrome, is a uncommon neurological dysfunction that causes non permanent distortions in an individual’s notion of dimension, distance, physique picture, and time. The situation was formally described by British psychiatrist John Todd in 1955. Todd noticed sufferers experiencing these irregular distortions whereas remaining conscious that they weren’t actual. In keeping with Canadian Medical Affiliation JournalTodd’s analysis established that AIWS is a perceptual dysfunction slightly than a psychological hallucination.
What signs do you might have?
Signs of AIWS are often quick, lasting from a couple of minutes to half-hour. Throughout an episode, objects could seem smaller or bigger than they are surely, or seem a lot nearer or farther away than they really are. Some folks report feeling like components of their physique are shrinking or increasing, resembling their arms or head. Others could have a distorted notion of time, making it really feel like time is shifting very quick or very slowly. These signs are frontiers of neurology. Though disturbing, these episodes are often innocent and non permanent.
What causes AIWS?
AIWS just isn’t a illness in itself, however a symptom attributable to an underlying illness. In kids, infections are the commonest trigger. analysis in pediatric neurology We recognized Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis, as the commonest infectious agent. Different infections resembling influenza, chickenpox, and Lyme illness are additionally regarded as related to this syndrome.
In adults, AIWS is most regularly related to migraine, usually showing as a part of a migraine aura, and generally with out headache. This sample is described within the following literature: lancet. Much less frequent causes embrace temporal lobe epilepsy, medicine containing dextromethorphan, and structural mind lesions. Analysis printed in Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry They level out that disruption of the temporo-parieto-occipital junction, an space that integrates visible, spatial, and sensory data, could cause attribute perceptual distortions.
Who’s in danger from AIWS?
AIWS can happen at any age, however is most typical in kids recovering from a viral an infection. As reported in , most childhood circumstances resolve spontaneously over time. pediatric neurology. Adults with a historical past of migraine aura are additionally at elevated threat. In keeping with , a small variety of sufferers could expertise AIWS resulting from epilepsy or different neurological circumstances. frontiers of neurology. Though typically non permanent, recurrent episodes in adults will not be thought-about harmful however could cause discomfort and ache.
How is AIWS recognized?
There isn’t a definitive check for AIWS. Analysis is determined by cautious consideration of signs, medical historical past, and potential triggers. A neurological examination is usually accomplished, and imaging assessments resembling an MRI or CT scan could also be used to rule out structural abnormalities. An electroencephalogram (EEG) could also be accomplished if epilepsy is suspected, and blood assessments in kids can assist establish infections resembling Epstein-Barr virus. of Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry In keeping with , most diagnostic assessments seem regular, however are essential to rule out different signs slightly than immediately confirming AIWS.
What’s the prognosis for AIWS?
The prognosis for AIWS is usually good. Most kids get well utterly, particularly in circumstances of syndromes related to viral infections. Adults could expertise repeated episodes associated to migraines, however these episodes are often manageable and never dangerous. journal article Medical coaching in neurology They level out that long-term issues are uncommon and the general end result relies upon largely on addressing the underlying trigger.
How is AIWS handled?
There isn’t a particular remedy for AIWS itself. Administration focuses on treating the underlying trigger. An infection-related AIWS in kids usually resolves because the illness subsides. In adults, migraine-related AIWS could also be managed with preventive drugs and way of life changes resembling common sleep, hydration, and stress administration. Instances associated to epilepsy or mind lesions require focused interventions resembling anti-seizure medicine and surgical remedy. If a medicine causes AIWS-like signs, adjusting or stopping the remedy often results in enchancment. As talked about, though medically benign, episodes could be disorienting, so offering reassurance is a key part of care, particularly for kids. Lancets and Medical Apply in Neurology.
