A 58-year-old man with a rare medical condition sees faces normally on screens and paper, but in person, they take on a demonic quality. The patient has a unique case of prosopometamorphopsia (PMO), a condition that causes peoples’ faces to appear distorted, reptilian, or otherwise inhuman.
A new study in The Lancet describes this unusual case of prosopometamorphopsia, where the patient perceives faces as distorted and demonic only when they are physically present. The patient has been experiencing this phenomenon for 31 months, and while it was initially distressing, he has now become habituated to these face distortions.
The research team had a rare opportunity to explore and visualize the patient’s perception of these demonic countenances. Unlike previous studies where visualizations of the distortions also depicted a face, leading to further distortions, the team was able to accurately represent the patient’s real-time perception of the face distortions.
For the patient, faces in person appear unsettlingly distorted, with stretched and angular eyes, flared nostrils, and lips that stretch outwards to occupy the entire width of the face. Grooves appear on the forehead, and ears take on an elvish shape with sharp points. In milder cases, facial features may droop or appear out of position, or be smaller or larger than they are in reality.
This case is not an isolated incident. In a previous case published in The Lancet in 2014, a 52-year-old woman reported a lifelong history of perceiving people’s faces as dragon-like, with long, pointy ears, reptilian skin, and huge colored eyes. These cases demonstrate the diverse and unusual nature of prosopometamorphopsia.
The implications of this research go beyond understanding a rare medical condition. People with PMO are often misdiagnosed with other disorders, such as schizophrenia, and prescribed anti-psychotics. Many individuals with PMO do not disclose their perception problem due to the fear of being labeled as mentally ill.
Furthermore, understanding the underlying causes of prosopometamorphopsia can lead to improved diagnosis and treatment. Brain lesions have been observed in patients with PMO, suggesting a neurological basis for this condition. By identifying and addressing these underlying causes, it may be possible to develop more targeted therapies for PMO.
Looking towards the future, advancements in neuroimaging techniques may provide further insights into the neural mechanisms involved in prosopometamorphopsia. This might pave the way for more precise diagnostics and tailored treatments. Additionally, increased awareness and understanding of PMO can help reduce stigmatization and provide support for individuals with this condition.
As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to consider the potential impact on individuals with perceptual disorders like PMO. Virtual and augmented reality technologies, for example, may have unintended consequences for people with distorted face perception. Designing inclusive experiences that consider the needs of individuals with PMO can help ensure equal access to these emerging technologies.
In conclusion, the study of prosopometamorphopsia provides valuable insights into the intricacies of visual perception and the challenges faced by individuals with this rare condition. By uncovering the underlying mechanisms and raising awareness, we can work towards improved diagnosis, treatment, and support for those affected by PMO.