Alice in Wonderland syndrome throughout history: a narrative view through the eyes of Lewis Carroll

A. Gonzalez-Martinez
Neurosciences and History 2023;11(4):176-184

Type of article: ORIGINAL

AUTHOR

A. Gonzalez-Martinez
Neurology and Immunology departments. Hospital Universitario La Princesa and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa (IIS-Princesa), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.

ABSTRACT

Introduction. Alice in Wonderland syndrome is a clinical picture, appearing in Lewis Carroll’s work of the same name, characterised by brief episodes of distorted perception; it has been associated with different entities over the years.

Objective. To analyse the growing understanding of migraine, from the historical perspective of Lewis Carroll’s experience, with special emphasis on Alice in Wonderland syndrome.

Methods. A literature search on PubMed and critical review of the literature were used as the basis for a historical narrative.

Results. With Lewis Carroll as the protagonist, the narrative analyses the most representative thought on Alice in Wonderland syndrome and migraine, drawing on the available information on the aetiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of the syndrome throughout history, represented as stories concealed behind doors and mirrors.

Discussion. This scientific-literary text demonstrates the relevance and growing understanding of Alice in Wonderland syndrome, contributing information on its pathophysiology (possible parieto-occipital dysfunction, predominantly in the right hemisphere) and aetiopathogenesis (migraine, epilepsy, and certain infections), as well as its treatment according to the underlying cause, through a historical narrative following Lewis Carroll, a key figure in the dissemination of this phenomenon.

KEYWORDS

Migraine, aura, Alice in Wonderland syndrome, headache, Lewis Carroll

Neurosciences and History 2023;11(4):176-184