Your Privacy is Important to us

We encourage you to review our Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms listed here. In case you want to opt out, please click "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" link in the footer of this page.

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

We won't sell or share your personal information to inform the ads you see. You may still see interest-based ads if your information is sold or shared by other companies or was sold or shared previously.

Continue on TOI App
Open App
Login for better experience!
Login Now
Welcome! to timesofindia.com
TOI INDTOI USTOI GCC
TOI+
  • Home
  • Live
  • TOI Games
  • Top Headlines
  • India
  • City News
  • Photos
  • Business
  • Real Estate
  • Entertainment
  • Movie Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Podcasts
  • Elections
  • Web Series
  • Sports
  • TV
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Events
  • World
  • Music
  • Astrology
  • Videos
  • Tech
  • Auto
  • Education
  • Log Out
Follow Us On
Open App
  • ETIMES
  • CINEMA
  • VIDEOS
  • TV
  • LIFESTYLE
  • VISUAL STORIES
  • MUSIC
  • TRAVEL
  • FOOD
  • TRENDING
  • EVENTS
  • THEATRE
  • PHOTOS
  • MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MOVIE LISTINGS
  • HEALTH
  • RELATIONSHIP
  • WEB SERIES
  • BOX OFFICE

Auto-Brewery Syndrome to Walking Corpse Syndrome: 5 bizarre human syndromes that sound unbelievable but are real

etimes.in | Last updated on - May 12, 2026, 12:42 IST
Comments
Share
1/6

5 bizarre human syndromes that sound unbelievable but are real

Nature is the biggest magician of them all. It has existed before even humans did and everything that we have now is in one or more ways connected to it, even health conditions. While science has attempted to find an explanation for everything in books or labs, certain things are more magical than comprehensible. For instance, numerous humans on Earth are born with unique syndromes that were never seen before, but now exist with proper names and explanations. Here are 5 of the bizarre human syndromes that sound unbelievable but are real:

(The visuals used are symbolic and conceptual in nature)

2/6

Auto-Brewery Syndrome (ABS)

Auto-Brewery Syndrome, also known as gut fermentation syndrome (GFS) is a rare condition that causes alcohol intoxication in people who haven't even consumed any alcohol. This happens because the microbes in the intestines ferment the sugars present in the body to produce ethanol, creating a mini brewery in your gut. Alcohol-producing bacteria and fungi such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae (brewer’s yeast) are normally present in our gut and produce small amounts of ethanol in everyone. However, in the syndrome the microbes produce ethanol at a rate that exceeds your body's capacity to clear it. Symptoms of the syndrome include drunkenness, brain fog, drowsiness, memory issues, blurred vision and more, as per the Cleveland Clinic.

3/6

Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (AIWS)

Named after Lewis Carroll's classic story, this neurological disorder alters your perception of the world around you. As per the Cleveland Clinic, two-thirds of the cases of AIWS happen in children under the age of 18. In the syndrome, patients may view things as smaller or larger than they actually are. Moreover, this change of perception isn't just limited to objects, it could also be for your own body or both.

4/6

Uncombable hair syndrome (UHS)

Uncombable hair syndrome is a rare genetic condition that causes a child's hair to grow out in different directions. It is rough, frizzy and dry making combing or brushing it, a task. The symptoms usually begin presenting themselves by the age of 3 or appear by the age of 12, according to Cleveland Clinic. The condition is limited to a child's scalp and resolves over time.

5/6

Foreign Accent Syndrome (FAS)

There have been many cases where after a surgery, a patient has woken up speaking in an accent. While most think of it as magic, it is actually a brain-related condition that affects a person's ability to make sounds correctly. The condition was first described by Pierre Marie, a French neurologist in 1907 and is mostly caused by damage to some areas of the brain that control the muscles you use to speak. In this case, you may not be able to pronounce the 'r' at the end of the word 'car' and it might sound more like 'ah'.

6/6

Walking Corpse Syndrome (WCS)

Also known as Cotard's Syndrome, this is a neuropsychiatric disorder where a person believes that they are dead. Individuals suffering from the syndrome may perceive the loss of internal organs or question their existence. It can transcend into anxiety, depression, suicidal intentions and other delusional beliefs. First described by Dr. Jules Cotard in 1882, it is observed in patients with mood disorders, psychotic disorders, central nervous system infections and traumatic brain injuries.

Start a Conversation

Post comment
Photostories
  • 6 fruit peels you should stop throwing away and why
  • Meet Calmaria Incredibilis: The two-headed snake from China that fooled scientists for years until DNA proved it!
  • After RCB’s big IPL win, Anushka Sharma keeps things traditionally rooted in this Anavila suit for her Vrindavan visit with Virat Kohli
  • Taking protein powder? The hidden dangers no one tells you
  • From Shiva's Kashi to Krishna's Dwarka: 10 Indian cities and their patron deities
  • Pride Month 2026: 'Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan', 'Kapoor & Sons' to 'Aligarh', LGBTQIA+ Bollywood movies to watch on OTT
  • 5 smart money habits every working woman should follow as soon as salary credits
  • 10 small morning habits successful people practice every day to stay ahead of everyone else
  • It’s probably nothing': How self-diagnosis is causing Indians to miss early warning signs of serious illness
  • Living in under 500 square feet? These decor tricks can make your home feel twice as big
Explore more Stories
  • 6
    Meet Calmaria Incredibilis: The two-headed snake from China that fooled scientists for years until DNA proved it!
  • 9
    Taking protein powder? The hidden dangers no one tells you
  • 6
    5 countries across the world that are free of snakes
  • 8
    7 of the cutest animals on earth (and why they’re so irresistible)
  • 6
    4 warning signs most men ignore until it’s too late: US heart surgeon Jeremy London on early health red flags
Up Next
  • News
  • /
  • Etimes
  • /
  • Trending
  • /
  • Auto-Brewery Syndrome to Walking Corpse Syndrome: 5 bizarre human syndromes that sound unbelievable but are real
About UsTerms Of UsePrivacy PolicyCookie Policy

Copyright © Jun 2, 2026, 08.12PM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service