Hallucinatory palinopsia

Hallucinatory Palinopsia is a neurological disorder characterized by the persistent recurrence of a visual image after the stimulus has been removed. It is a type of palinopsia, a broader term for various visual disturbances related to the persistence of a visual image.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of hallucinatory palinopsia is the recurrence of a visual image after the stimulus is removed. These images can be simple, such as lines or dots, or complex, such as faces or objects. The images are often described as being "ghost-like" or transparent, and they may be static or move with the patient's gaze.

Causes

Hallucinatory palinopsia is often associated with damage to the occipital lobe, the part of the brain responsible for processing visual information. It can also be caused by certain medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants and benzodiazepines, and by illicit drugs, such as LSD and MDMA. In some cases, the cause of hallucinatory palinopsia is unknown.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hallucinatory palinopsia is based on the patient's symptoms and medical history. Neuroimaging tests, such as MRI or CT scan, may be used to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as migraine or stroke.

Treatment

Treatment for hallucinatory palinopsia is primarily aimed at managing the symptoms. This may involve discontinuing any medications that may be causing the condition, or treating any underlying neurological disorders. In some cases, medications such as clonazepam or gabapentin may be used to reduce the frequency and intensity of the hallucinations.

See also

• Visual snow
• Alice in Wonderland syndrome
• Migraine aura

References

Hallucinatory palinopsia Resources
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