A scenic hallucination, also known as an "Alice in Wonderland syndrome," is a rare neurological phenomenon characterized by distorted perception of one's surroundings. The term "Alice in Wonderland syndrome" is derived from Lewis Carroll's novel "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," in which the main character experiences bizarre changes in her size and perspective.
People with scenic hallucinations may perceive objects, people, or the environment around them as changing in size, shape, distance, or perspective. Common experiences include:
- Macropsia: Objects appear larger than they actually are.
- Micropsia: Objects appear smaller than they actually are.
- Pelopsia: Objects appear closer than they actually are.
- Teleopsia: Objects appear farther away than they actually are.
Scenic hallucinations can also involve altered perceptions of body parts or a general sense of dissociation from one's surroundings. These hallucinations are usually visual but can sometimes include auditory or tactile sensations as well.
Scenic hallucinations can be caused by various factors, including migraines, epilepsy, infections, brain tumors, and psychoactive substance use. They can also occur as a symptom of certain neurological disorders. The hallucinations are typically temporary and may last from a few minutes to hours, but the exact duration varies from person to person.
It's essential to seek medical attention if someone experiences scenic hallucinations, as they could be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires evaluation and treatment. A thorough medical examination and consultation with a healthcare professional can help determine the cause and appropriate course of action.