Buzz
Synesthesia is a rare phenomenon where different senses (such as sight, hearing, taste) blend together. Stimulation in one sensory pathway can lead to a predictable and repetitive effect in another sense. People with synesthesia might hear colors, feel sounds, or taste shapes. Often, this sensation is subjective. Most individuals with synesthesia are born with it, so they do not find it unusual. However, when they describe their experiences of the world, others might think they are hallucinating or delusional. Those who experience this may feel relieved if they are diagnosed with synesthesia. It is important to note that there is no medical consensus confirming the existence of synesthesia, and some doctors do not recognize it as an official syndrome.
Steps
Recognizing the Signs of Synesthesia
Understand that synesthesia is a relatively rare phenomenon and often goes undiagnosed. Synesthesia is considered a rare neurological syndrome that affects the senses, but many individuals with it either have not been diagnosed or assume that others experience the world the same way. It is still unclear how many people actually have synesthesia.
Know that not all individuals with synesthesia experience tangible sensations. If you truly see colors in the air, smell, hear, or touch objects, it means you have projected synesthesia. This form is rarer than associated synesthesia and is typically what people think of when discussing synesthesia.
- Some individuals can hear, smell, taste, or feel pain in response to colors. Others might taste shapes or perceive letters and words with distinct colors. For example, they might see the letter "F" as red and "P" as yellow when reading.
- Some people visualize abstract concepts like geometric shapes, units of time, or mathematical equations floating in space outside their body, a phenomenon called conceptual synesthesia.
Identify the risk factors for synesthesia. According to a study conducted in the United States, several factors are closely associated with synesthesia. For example, the number of women with synesthesia is three times higher than that of men. People with synesthesia also have a much higher incidence of left-handedness, and there is a 40% chance that a close relative may also have this condition.
Do not confuse synesthesia with hallucinations. When describing their experiences, individuals with synesthesia are often accused of hallucinating or being influenced by substances. The key difference between true synesthesia and hallucinations lies in the fact that synesthetic sensations are repetitive and predictable, rather than occurring in a strange or random manner. For instance, if you listen to a particular piece of music and taste strawberries, the sensation must always lead to the same effect and be predictable to qualify as synesthesia. However, synesthesia does not necessarily occur in both directions.
- People with synesthesia often report being teased or ridiculed (usually starting in their teenage years) when describing their experiences, which others do not share.
Understand that no two individuals with synesthesia share the same experience. Synesthesia is a neurological wiring pattern that involves connections between the five senses, and no two individuals with synesthesia have the exact same wiring. For example, the most common form of synesthesia is grapheme-color, in which numbers and letters are associated with specific colors. The colors assigned to letters can vary from person to person, though many might see the letter A as red. Another common form is chromesthesia, where sounds, music, or speech trigger visual color perceptions. On the other hand, some individuals might see red when hearing the word 'dog,' while others might see orange.
Specialized Diagnosis
Visit a general practitioner. Since the sensations associated with synesthesia can resemble other medical conditions or head injuries, it's best to get checked to rule out any dangerous diseases. The doctor will assess brain activity, reflexes, and sensory functions to determine if you have any physical issues or deficiencies. If a serious problem is suspected, they will refer you to a neurologist. Note that individuals with synesthesia typically pass all neurological tests and are considered normal. If any neurological deficiencies cause visual sensations, there is a high chance you may also have synesthesia.
- Head injuries, post-concussion syndrome, brain tumors, encephalitis, migraines, seizures with transient episodes, epilepsy, strokes, toxic reactions, LSD flashbacks, and the use of hallucinogenic substances (such as peyote or mushrooms) can all cause phenomena similar to synesthesia.
- Synesthesia is often congenital, and the development of this syndrome in adulthood is extremely rare. If this phenomenon appears suddenly in adulthood, you should not hesitate to consult a doctor for examination, as it may be linked to brain or nervous system issues.
See an ophthalmologist. Some visual sensations related to synesthesia may resemble eye conditions, so it's a good idea to visit a specialist in eye care. Eye injuries, glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, corneal edema, macular degeneration, and optic nerve disorders are eye diseases that can cause visual phenomena and color distortions.
- The vast majority of people with synesthesia do not have any eye-related diseases.
- You should consult an ophthalmologist (a specialist in eye diseases) rather than a vision specialist who focuses solely on determining eyesight and prescribing glasses/contact lenses.
Understand that some doctors do not believe in synesthesia. You may encounter a doctor who does not believe in this syndrome's existence, and furthermore, some insurance companies may not cover the costs. However, you should still visit a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions that could cause your symptoms, but keep in mind that the doctor's diagnosis may be very different.
- If you feel that the doctor is not taking your concerns seriously, you should seek a second opinion.
- If a doctor tells you that you do not have synesthesia but have another condition, trust their advice and follow their treatment plan.
Advice
- Understand that synesthesia is a rare phenomenon but is not a disease or disability. Don't feel ashamed or think you're unusual.
- Ask your family members about their sensory experiences – they may also have similar experiences and can offer support.
- This article does not describe all forms of synesthesia. Any sensory connections, including pain, that are congenital and not intentionally created are considered forms of synesthesia.
- Join online groups for people with synesthesia to learn more.
Warning
- If you suddenly start seeing unusual colors and/or shapes, it could be a sign of hallucinations, epilepsy, migraines, or a stroke – do not automatically assume that these phenomena are synesthesia. It is important to consult a doctor if this is a new symptom and is accompanied by discomfort.
