Alice in Wonderland syndrome (AIWS): A research overview

Abstract

Background: Alice in Wonderland syndrome (AIWS) is a rare neuropsychiatric condition characterized by distorted visual perceptions, body schema, and experience of time. This bibliometric study aimed to analyze the characteristics of the global research landscape on AIWS. Methods: Bibliometric data on AIWS related publications published until 2019 were retrieved from the Web of Science database. The data were analyzed using statistical and scientometric tools to evaluate the publication trends, key research domains, top contributing journals, institutions, and countries associated with AIWS-related research. Results: A total of 125 published items were analyzed with a mean of 3 authors and 8.15 citations per document. Most articles were published after 2008, in medical journals focused on neuropsychiatric sciences, and most institutions affiliated with AIWS research were based on high-income countries. Major research domains associated with AIWS included visual disturbances, body image, migraine, infections, risk factors, and other clinical correlates. Conclusion: The current research landscape informs a developing trend in AIWS research in selected regions and specialties. Future research should emphasize multidisciplinary and translational investigations through global collaborations to advance the knowledge and practice on AIWS.

A Twist in Perception: A Case of an Eight-Year-Old Female With Alice in Wonderland Syndrome

“…Although it can affect adults and teenagers as well, children are the ones who experience AIWS the most commonly [8]. The temporal association between the underlying cause of AIWS development and the onset of perceptual distortions aligns with previous literature linking AIWS to conditions such as migraines, epilepsy, and viral infections [1,8]. The symptoms of true AIWS are limited to those linked to alterations in an individual's perception of their body.…”

“…Alice in Wonderland syndrome (AIWS) is a rare neurological phenomenon characterized by distortions in perception, impacting various sensory modalities such as vision, touch, and hearing [1]. The presented case of an eight-year-old female with AIWS underscores the challenges in diagnosing and managing this condition, particularly in the pediatric population.…”

“…Alice in Wonderland syndrome (AIWS) is a rare neurological phenomenon characterized by distortions in perception, impacting various sensory modalities such as vision, touch, and hearing [1]. The symptoms of changed body image are linked to Alice in Wonderland syndrome (AIWS).…”

“…The symptoms of changed body image are linked to Alice in Wonderland syndrome (AIWS). A shift in visual perception is thought to cause an inability to distinguish between the correct size of objects outside the body or body components [1,2]. Body schema, a confused sense of time, and distorted eyesight are characteristics of AIWS [3].…”

“…Our immediate impression of time is significantly altered by AIWS, which is perhaps its most intriguing and little-known characteristic [5]. Head trauma, headaches, and viral encephalitis from Epstein-Barr virus infection have all been associated with AIWS [1,6], while the specific cause of the illness is still unknown. Furthermore, it is postulated that abnormal electrical activity in the brain areas in charge of processing texture and vision in AIWS may lead to irregular blood circulation [7].…”