Alice in Wonderland Syndrome

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Image by Prawny from Pixabay

Persons with Alice in Wonderland syndrome experience significant changes in their perception, without explanation. Objects may seem much larger than they are or appear distorted. Sounds may also be distorted, seeming to be lower pitched or slower. Other symptoms include visual disturbances that border on hallucinations, such as seeing people with dragons’ heads or with extra limbs or watching events happen in slow motion. People with AIWS often feel that they themselves are shrinking or growing in size. The exact cause is unknown, but it can be triggered by certain medicines and hallucinogenic substances.

A strange phenomenon to be sure. What would a character with this problem experience in your story world? What other syndrome might be named after famous fictional characters? What conditions might be named after Gulliver, Sweeney Todd, Sherlock Holmes, or Dr. Moreau?