The Alice in Wonderland syndrome (AIWS) is a rare neurological condition in which a person’s perception of reality is distorted. It is named after Lewis Carroll’s famous novel, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” because the symptoms are similar to Alice’s experiences in the story.
People with AIWS may experience changes in the size or shape of objects, body parts, or other people. They may also perceive objects as being farther away or closer than they actually are. In some cases, people with AIWS may feel like they themselves are shrinking or growing in size. Time perception may also be distorted, leading to the feeling that time is passing very slowly or quickly.
AIWS can occur as a symptom of various conditions, including migraines, epilepsy, infections, and brain tumors. It can also occur in individuals with no underlying medical condition. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include medication, therapy, or other interventions.