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Semin Neurol 2000; Volume 20(Number 1): 0111-0122
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-6837
Copyright © 2000 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Visual Perceptual Abnormalities: Hallucinations and Illusions

John W. Norton, James J. Corbett
  • Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry (JWN), Neurology (JJC), and Ophthalmology (JJC), University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

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ABSTRACT

-Visual perceptual abnormalities may be caused by diverse etiologies which span the fields of psychiatry and neurology. This article reviews the differential diagnosis of visual perceptual abnormalities from both a neurological and a psychiatric perspective. Psychiatric etiologies include mania, depression, substance dependence, and schizophrenia. Common neurological causes include migraine, epilepsy, delirium, dementia, tumor, and stroke. The phenomena of palinopsia, oscillopsia, dysmetropsia, and polyopia among others are also reviewed. A systematic approach to the many causes of illusions and hallucinations may help to achieve an accurate diagnosis, and a more focused evaluation and treatment plan for patients who develop visual perceptual abnormalities. This article provides the practicing neurologist with a practical understanding and approach to patients with these clinical symptoms.

KEYWORD

Illusion - hallucination - perceptual abnormalities - oscillopsia - polyopia - diplopia - palinopsia - dysmetropsia - visual allesthesia - visual synthesia - visual dysesthesia - sensation of environmental tilt - psychiatric - neurological

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