Victor Sharrah, 59, has been experiencing a rare condition called prosopometamorphopsia (PMO) for the past three years. This condition causes him to see distorted faces that appear like “demons.” There have only been around 75 confirmed cases of people with PMO, making it a rare disorder. The causes of PMO are not entirely understood, but it could be linked to head trauma, stroke, epilepsy, or migraine. Sharrah had a head injury 17 years ago and also experienced carbon monoxide poisoning four months before his symptoms started. Researchers have created visualizations of Sharrah’s distortions by showing him modified images of faces on a computer screen based on what he sees in real life.
Sharrah has been speaking out publicly about his experience with PMO to raise awareness and help others who may be experiencing similar symptoms. He hopes to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary medication, as some individuals with PMO have been wrongly diagnosed with schizophrenia and treated with anti-psychotics. Sharrah emphasized the importance of spreading the word about PMO to avoid institutionalization for those who have a vision malfunction instead of a mental health condition.
Overall, Sharrah’s story sheds light on the rare and often misunderstood condition of PMO. By sharing his experience, he aims to help others facing similar challenges and advocate for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Through research and awareness, the hope is to provide support and understanding for individuals with PMO, ensuring they receive the appropriate care they need.
