Hallucinations

Background

• The perception of auditory, visual, tactile, or gustatory sensations that are not present
• Etiology may be from underlying psychiatric disorder or organic cause.
• In non-auditory hallucinations, assume organic pathology unit proven otherwise.

Differential Diagnosis

Organic Causes

• Alcohol Withdrawl - hallucinosis without altered sensorium, predominately auditory & usually begins 24-48 hours after last drink
• Methanol Intoxication
• Salvia Intoxication

Psychiatric Causes

Schizophrenia

Workup

Utox Consider: -Chem -CBC -PT/PTT (especially in pts on anticoagulants)

Management

Treat the underlying pathology. In the case of Alcohol Withdrawl Hallucinosis, no standard therapy has been established, although tx with neuroleptics (e.g. Haldol) has shown some benefit in small studies

Sources

Tintinalli