Imagine a scenario where someone is caught driving under the influence, even though they haven’t had a single drink. It might sound like a far-fetched excuse, but it’s not. This could be a rare condition known as Auto-Brewery Syndrome. Though extremely uncommon, this syndrome causes the body to produce alcohol internally, essentially "brewing" it in the gut.

While this may sound like something straight out of science fiction, it’s just one example of how bizarre, yet real, medical conditions can sometimes blur the lines between fact and fiction. There are other unusual syndromes out there that might seem made up at first, but are very much a part of the world we live in.

 

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Keep reading to learn more about strange syndromes: 

1. Fish Odour Syndrome (Trimethylaminuria)

Imagine having to constantly deal with a strong, unpleasant fishy odour. No, the reason is not sweat nor is the person skipping showers. No matter how much you shower or try to cover it up. This is what people with Fish Odour Syndrome (or Trimethylaminuria) face daily. It happens because their bodies can’t break down a compound called trimethylamine, which naturally has a strong fishy smell. This happens especially when certain foods like fish, eggs, or some vegetables are eaten. The odour ends up coming out through their sweat, breath, and urine. 
Poor hygiene is not the reason but a genetic issue in the body’s ability to process this compound. This condition can be tough to cope with socially, as it can lead to embarrassment and isolation, even though the person has no control over it.

 

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2. Foreign Accent Syndrome

What if, after a stroke or brain injury, one suddenly starts speaking with a foreign accent? The accent they have never used before and didn’t even consciously learn? That’s what people with Foreign Accent Syndrome experience. 
This syndrome is an incredibly rare condition that changes how they speak, making them sound like they’re from another country, even though they’ve never lived there. This happens because of neurological changes in how their brain controls speech. For the person experiencing it, it can be confusing and disorienting. Also, more often than not, the new accent doesn’t even resemble any specific one.

 

Related story: Ramsay Hunt Syndrome: What is it?

 

3. Auto-Brewery Syndrome

There have been weird instances of individuals feeling "drunk" without ever drinking alcohol. That's what happens to people with Auto-Brewery Syndrome, a condition where their gut turns carbohydrates from food into alcohol. It’s caused by an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria in the intestines, which ferments the food they eat into ethanol, making them feel like they’ve had too many drinks. They might experience symptoms like dizziness and confusion. 
It's not their fault—they didn’t choose to get drunk, but rather their body’s internal system is malfunctioning. For some, it’s linked to a poor diet or an imbalance in gut bacteria, and the consequences can be serious, including legal trouble, as it can make it seem like they’re intoxicated without ever touching a drop of alcohol.

 

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4. Stendhal Syndrome

For some people, standing before a masterpiece of art or architecture can feel like a spiritual experience but for others, it is not. It can be physically overwhelming or exhilarating. Stendhal Syndrome is a rare psychological condition where a person becomes so emotionally and physically affected by the beauty of art that they might experience dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeats, and even confusion. 
Named after the French author Stendhal, who described similar symptoms during his visit to Florence, this syndrome is thought to be triggered by sensory overload when someone is exposed to an extraordinary amount of beauty all at once. It's as if the mind and body can't quite keep up with the magnitude of what they're experiencing, leading to a mix of exhilaration and physical discomfort.

 

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5. Mirror-Touch Synesthesia

Mirror-Touch Synesthesia is a rare phenomenon where individuals experience sensations on their own body when they see someone else being touched. For example, watching someone get a hug might cause the person with this condition to feel the warmth and pressure of that hug themselves, even though no one is physically touching them. This occurs because their brain’s sensory areas respond to the sensations experienced by others. It’s like living in a world where physical sensations and emotions are shared, rather than merely observed. For those with this condition, it can be a deeply empathetic experience, though it can also be overwhelming, especially in crowded spaces where they might feel inundated with sensations that aren’t their own.

 

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