Medical Articles
What is Alice in Wonderland Syndrome?
21.06.2026
The fairy tale Alice in Wonderland is known throughout the world. In the story, Alice takes a special medicine that causes her to grow larger or smaller. Alice in Wonderland Syndrome is a medical condition named after this classic tale. Just as in the story, this condition causes visual distortions and altered perceptions—such as distant objects appearing much larger than they are, parts of one’s own body feeling oversized or tiny, or time seeming to pass faster or slower than reality—even though there are no physical issues or problems with the child's eyesight. Objects may appear distorted in size, sounds may seem louder or quieter, and there may even be a sensation of floating in the air. It is particularly common among preschoolers and school-aged children, though it is occasionally seen in adults as well.
This syndrome is not caused by psychological issues. In children, it is often triggered by a high fever or migraines. While it can rarely be associated with underlying conditions such as epilepsy or encephalitis, it is most often a temporary phenomenon observed during the natural course of childhood development. However, since only the children themselves can experience what they are seeing or hearing, parents may initially assume that their child is simply dreaming, playing, or joking around. It seems that many children who share these unusual experiences with their parents are not taken seriously and eventually outgrow them without anyone noticing. By being aware that “this condition exists,” you can respond calmly and without panic if your child ever describes such an experience. Telling your child, “Let me know if you see anything interesting or strange again. You don’t need to be scared because things like this happen sometimes, and you're perfectly safe,” will help them feel deeply reassured.
Alice in Wonderland Syndrome is usually temporary, so there is no need for excessive worry. However, if the symptoms persist or cause significant distress, please consult a pediatrician or a specialist.
Author Bio
Dr. Eiji Shimada
Oriental Wellcare Group Founder
Board-certified radiologist. He manages one of Japan’s largest independent teleradiology service companies, receiving more than 10,000 imaging interpretation requests per month from over 250 hospitals nationwide. He also has a track record as a pioneer of home healthcare in Japan, having founded and managed one of the country’s largest medical corporations specializing in home-based medical care.
In November 2014, he founded Oriental Wellcare Group. Today, the group operates a broad network of medical institutions across three countries: the Philippines, Malaysia, and the United States. He is dedicated to creating healthcare environments where Japanese residents overseas, including those living in the Philippines, can receive advanced medical care with peace of mind.