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Suggest Remedy For Persistent Hallucinations

Posted on Wed, 2 Dec 2015

Question: I am worried about my husband. He experiences hallucinations at night. When he wakes up he often sees people in the dark and he also hears people whispering or talking although he doesn't hear what they actually say. We leave a dim light on in the bedroom now so he doesn't see them only in the dark. They vary from old, young children even.

Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
needs neurological evaluation

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern for your husband.

Visual and auditory hallucinations at age of 65 need to be evaluated first from neurological point of view. He has history of TIA as well as he is known case of high blood pressure. There is possibility of some recent infarct which may be responsible for his hallucination. If neurological examination and MRI brain scan come normal, possibility of some psychotic problem is there. In that case dementia with psychotic features should be ruled out with thorough history and mental status examination.

In conclusion he first needs to be evaluated by neurologist and then if needed he can be referred to psychiatrist.

Let me know more information:

- Since when problem is there?

- Did problem start suddenly or gradually worsen?

- Is there any past history of such hallucinations?

- Do you feel that he is suffering from forgetfulness?

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chintan Solanki (1 hour later)

The problem started about three years ago when we were on holiday in France. he saw an apparition lift itself off me while i was asleep. Since then he has seen many more but only in the dark, never when it is light. There has never been a problem before then.
I wouldn't say that he is forgetful but he lacks concentration if we are watching television. he will often ask who's who and what's happened. He gets up early about 6am but naps often during the day and does not sleep well at night as he wakes every hour or so.
If I am not here for a length of time he can become a bit anxious as to where I am or where I've been. Although we try towalk or cycle 2 /3 times a week he sits for long periods watching television because he compains of tiredeness.

Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
dementia with psychotic features is likely possibility

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for information.

From history it seems that dementia with psychotic features is the most possible diagnosis. He needs XXXXXXX mental status examination and MRI brain scan. Medicine like donepezil with or without memantine should be started to prevent further worsening of dementia. If needed low dose of antipsychotic medicine at night would help to treat hallucination.

Take care.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar