Hey Migraine Mentees 👋 

We’re happy to report that we’re nearly thawed out in the frozen tundra that is Minne(NO)snowta, as we’ve reached 40+ degrees Fahrenheit over the last week and can finally feel our fingers and toes again…

Hopefully, you’re feeling the “heat wave” wherever you’re reading this…

This edition takes 5 minutes and 34 seconds to read, but if you’ve only got 60 seconds, here’s what you need to know:

• Yes, Alice in Wonderland Syndrome is a real phenomenon where people experience significant body distortions during the aura phase of their migraine…

• It’s not well known, but it’s occurred often enough for researchers to investigate the findings and publish data on it…

• Much like migraine with aura, these distortions are temporary and leave after a period of time…

• These distortions are far more common in children than adults, but we still don’t understand why…

As much as we love the movie and books, we would never wish Alice in Wonderland Syndrome on anyone!

🧠 The Migraine Mentors

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In This Week’s Edition…

• 🥡 Weekly Take-Out

  • Meme of The Week - Aaaand I’m spent…

• 📸 Weekly TikToks

  • Natural Migraine Solutions

  • Migraine Perceptions vs. Reality

• 💣️ This Week’s Sponsor

  • Cornbread Hemp - 💤 The best sleep and CBD products on the planet!

• 📜 This Week’s Top Article

  • Alice in Wonderland Syndrome - From Vision to Body Distortions

• 🍴 Migraine-Friendly Recipe of the Week

  • Migraine Friendly Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken

🥡 WEEKLY TAKE-OUT

Meme of The Week

🥡 WEEKLY TIKTOKS

Natural Migraine Solutions

@themigrainementor

Sick of medications being the only option for your migraine symptoms? It might be time to explore effective, natural approaches to managin... See more

Migraine Perceptions vs. Reality

@headache_whisperer

#migraine #migraines #migrainerelief #migrainerelieftok

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📜 TOP ARTICLE

Alice in Wonderland Syndrome - From Vision to Body Distortions

Have you ever looked at your hands and thought they seemed way bigger than usual?

Or felt like the floor was stretching and shrinking beneath your feet?

These may sound like something out of a fairy tale, but for a specific cohort of migraine sufferers, this is a real and unsettling experience…

This strange set of symptoms is called Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (AIWS), named after the famous story where Alice shrinks and grows unexpectedly…

Interestingly enough, Lewis Carroll was a migraine sufferer himself, which may be one of the reasons why he wrote about such distortions…

For some individuals, it’s an early warning sign that a migraine attack is coming.

⁉️ What Is Alice in Wonderland Syndrome?

AIWS is a temporary condition that messes with your senses, making things look, feel, or sound different than they really are.

It’s a complete sensory distortion syndrome that is transient, but very real… And sadly, it can effect migraine sufferers.

It doesn’t mean your eyesight is bad—your brain is just misreading the information it’s getting!

If you have migraine, AIWS can show up as part of your aura—the early phase before the headache hits…

These weird symptoms can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, where during that time, you might experience:

• Things looking smaller than they are (like your hands or feet)

• Things looking bigger than usual (like a doorknob or your phone)

• Objects seeming really far away or way too close

• Feeling like time is speeding up or slowing down

• Sounds suddenly seeming super loud or barely there

Some people who experience AIWS say it feels like they’re in a dream or like they’re floating outside their body.

🧠 Why Does This Happen with Migraine?

Doctors aren’t 100% sure, but AIWS happens because the brain temporarily processes information the wrong way—kind of like a glitch.

It’s a similar process that occurs during the aura phase for those who get visual changes, sensory alterations, or even visual loss… But with changes in other senses outside of just vision.

As you well know (and have experienced), during a migraine, your brain goes through changes that can affect how you see, feel, and hear things…

Much like triggers for migraine, AIWS has similar triggers such as:

• Stress – A common migraine trigger that can also cause AIWS

• Lack of sleep – Being overly tired makes migraines (and weird symptoms) more likely

• Hormone changes – Many women notice AIWS around their menstrual cycle

• Infections – Some kids get AIWS when they’re sick with a virus

🪜 How to Deal With AIWS During a Migraine

If you notice these symptoms before your migraine starts, don’t panic—it usually goes away on its own…

But there are things you can do to feel better:

✅ Take note of when it happens – Keep track in a journal to see if there’s a pattern
✅ Rest in a quiet, dark space – Reducing stimulation can help symptoms pass faster
✅ Drink water (with electrolytes) & have a snack – Dehydration and low blood sugar can make migraine symptoms worse
✅ Try taking your magnesium or B vitamins – Specific dietary supplements may help prevent aura symptoms and/or the onset of a full blown migraine attack
✅ Talk to a doctor – If AIWS is happening often, a doctor can help you find ways to manage it and/or investigate to see if there are other issues at hand

🐰 What to Do If You See The Mad Hatter…

Alice in Wonderland Syndrome can be strange and unsettling, but it’s usually not harmful…

As weird as it sounds, we know it’s a real phenomena, hence why we wanted to write about it!

If it happens before or during your migraine, it’s just another sign that your brain is working a little differently during an attack.

What that said… Have you ever had these symptoms? 

If so, we would love to know more about your experience with it!

👉️ We want to hear from you! Send us an email at [email protected]

🍴MIGRAINE-FRIENDLY RECIPE

Migraine Friendly Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken

For those who suffer from migraines, certain foods can often act as triggers…

🤌 This gluten-free, dairy-free, migraine-friendly Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken is designed to be delicious while avoiding common migraine triggers…

Instead of traditional dairy products, we use a creamy cashew-based Alfredo sauce that's both rich and satisfying!

🥣 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tsp olive oil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight)

• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth or water

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Fettuccine:

• 8 oz gluten-free fettuccine pasta

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

📖 Instructions

👉️ Step 1 - Prepare the Cashews

Soak the Cashews: Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. Drain and rinse thoroughly.

👉️ Step 2 - Cook the Chicken

Season the Chicken: Preheat a pan over medium heat. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until they are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Slice the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.

👉️ Step 3 - Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

Blend the Sauce: In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, vegetable broth (or water), minced garlic, nutritional yeast (if using), lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.

*Note: If the sauce is too thick, add more broth or water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

👉️ Step 4 - Cook the Fettuccine

Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gluten-free fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Gluten-free pasta can sometimes cook faster, so be sure to check frequently.

Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.

👉️ Step 5 - Combine and Serve

Mix the Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked pasta to the pot. Pour the cashew Alfredo sauce over the pasta and gently toss to coat.

Add the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken strips and mix until well combined.

👉️ Step 6 - Garnish and Serve

Garnish the Dish: Transfer the fettuccine Alfredo to serving plates or bowls. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Serve Immediately: Enjoy your creamy, gluten-free, dairy-free, migraine-friendly Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken while it’s warm.

Tips for Success

- Soaking Cashews: Don’t skip the soaking step for the cashews; it ensures a smooth and creamy sauce.

- Garlic: If you're sensitive to garlic, you can reduce the amount or omit it altogether based on your tolerance.

- Vegetable Broth: Opt for a low-sodium vegetable broth to control the salt content in your meal.

😋 Enjoy!