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Charles Bonnet syndrome: visual hallucination and multiple sclerosis
Adekola O Alao1, Brian Hanrahan
1SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA. alaoa@upstate.edu
International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine
|September 13, 2003
Summary
Visual hallucinations are rare in multiple sclerosis (MS) but can occur without cognitive deficits, presenting as Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS). This case highlights successful treatment of isolated visual hallucinations in MS using olanzapine.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease affecting around 350,000 individuals in the US.
- MS commonly presents with neuropsychiatric symptoms, including cognitive and behavioral changes.
- Visual hallucinations are an uncommon symptom in MS, typically associated with cognitive impairment.
Observation:
- A case study of a 40-year-old female with multiple sclerosis.
- The patient experienced isolated complex visual hallucinations.
- These hallucinations were consistent with Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS).
Findings:
- The patient's visual hallucinations occurred without any detectable cognitive deficits.
- This presentation is atypical for visual disturbances in multiple sclerosis.
- Successful management of the visual hallucinations was achieved.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of potential neurological manifestations in multiple sclerosis.
- It suggests Charles Bonnet syndrome should be considered in MS patients with isolated visual hallucinations.
- Atypical antipsychotics, such as olanzapine, may be an effective treatment option for these rare symptoms.