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Charles Bonnet syndrome: three cases in the emergency department

Elizabeth J Frost1, J Lawrence Mottley, Jonathan A Edlow

  • 1Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.

The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|May 2, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) causes visual hallucinations in older adults and is often missed by emergency physicians. Recognizing this benign condition improves patient care and avoids unnecessary tests.

Area of Science:

  • Geriatric Medicine
  • Neurology
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) is a neurological condition causing visual hallucinations in elderly individuals with vision impairment.
  • CBS is frequently underdiagnosed by emergency physicians, despite its benign nature and increasing prevalence with an aging population.

Observation:

  • This article presents three cases of patients experiencing visual disturbances who were diagnosed with CBS in an Emergency Department (ED) setting.
  • The cases highlight the stereotypical nature of CBS symptoms, which can be mistaken for more severe neurological or psychiatric conditions.

Findings:

  • Prompt recognition of CBS by emergency physicians is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
  • Timely diagnosis of CBS can prevent unnecessary and costly investigations such as blood tests, imaging, and specialist consultations.

Implications:

  • Improved recognition of CBS can lead to safer and more efficient patient management in emergency departments.
  • Educating emergency physicians about CBS can enhance the care provided to elderly patients experiencing visual disturbances.
Abstract

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