Managing Alice in Wonderland Syndrome: Tips for Living Healthy - Health

Living with Alice in Wonderland Syndrome

Alice in Wonderland syndrome, also known as Todd's syndrome, is a rare neurological condition that can cause perceptual disturbances to sight, touch, and time. Layla Chester, a 46-year-old mum from Hereford, first experienced the bizarre symptoms of this syndrome after going to bed with a migraine during the pandemic. When she woke up, she felt like her body was growing and time was "standing still."

Supermarket worker Layla Chester, 46, first experienced the bizarre symptoms after going to bed with a migraine during the pandemic.

Managing Alice in Wonderland Syndrome: Tips for Living Healthy

Her depth perception became distorted, making her feel like she was "looking through a telescope backwards." After being referred to a neurologist and undergoing extensive tests, she was officially diagnosed with Alice in Wonderland syndrome in July 2020. Layla has been living with this condition for four years, and she describes the episodes as feeling like her body is expanding, which can be triggered by migraines and tiredness.

Managing the Symptoms

Layla takes three tablets a day to manage her condition, but she admits that she still "lives in fear" of an attack. These episodes can last for hours and leave her feeling distressed, confused, and embarrassed. She struggles with distorted perceptions of distance and time, making simple tasks like walking or having conversations challenging for her. Layla has had to give up driving and sell her dream car in case an attack occurs while she is behind the wheel.

Layla, who works in a supermarket, said: "It's really hard to explain, but when an attack is triggered, it's awful. It literally feels like my body is growing and there's nothing I can do to stop it.

Despite the challenges she faces, Layla has set up a TikTok account to connect with others who also suffer from Alice in Wonderland syndrome. She hopes to build an online community and raise awareness about this rare condition that can have a significant impact on daily life.

Impact on Daily Life

Living with Alice in Wonderland syndrome has turned Layla's life upside down. She struggles with her confidence and mental health, as the unpredictability of when an attack will occur leaves her constantly on edge. These episodes can be embarrassing, especially when they happen at work, forcing her to take breaks and wait for them to pass.

Layla, who is mum to Lewis, 23, and Ax, 18, said her life was "turned upside down" when she woke up one morning in July 2020 with distorted vision.

Despite the challenges she faces, Layla remains determined to raise awareness and support others who are also coping with this unusual neurological condition. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help others feel less isolated and more understood in their experiences with Alice in Wonderland syndrome.