In this episode we’re going down the rabbit hole and talking about something rather bizarre. Alice in Wonderland Syndrome is a neurologic disorder causing perceptual disturbances. Dr. Zach Smith (EM/IM PGY-3) breaks down what we need to know.
Guest: Zach Smith, MD, MBA. Host: Kim Bambach, MD. Editors: Mike Prats, MD and Kim Bambach, MD.
Key Take-Aways:
- What is it? Alice in wonderland syndrome typically affects a pediatric population is an alteration of visual perception that may be associated with time distortion and derealization/depersonalization.
- Why does it happen? The underlying cause is unknown, but proposed causes include encephalitis, EBV infection, migraines.
- What’s the prognosis? Symptoms are typically episodic and the prognosis is usually favorable, but workup and treatment are aimed at more serious possible underlying causes (such as encephalitis).
- How are symptoms treated? Antipsychotics are considered ineffective. Symptoms are controlled with a migraine treatment regimen.
References:
- Blom JD. Alice in Wonderland syndrome. Neurology Clinical Practice. 2016;6(3):259-270. doi:10.1212/CPJ.000000000000025
- Shah A, Magaña SM, E. Youssef P. Do You See What I See? A Case of Alice in Wonderland Syndrome With EEG Correlate. Child Neurol Open. 2020;7:2329048X20932714. doi:10.1177/2329048X20932714
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