What Causes Auditory Hallucinations In Elderly?

Posted on Mon, 19 Oct 2015

Question: I'm 81 years and have been having hallucinations for about 5 months, not every night but it is stressful. Last night I heard different noses. I'm awake when things go on and in bed. Thanks for any help..

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
low dose antipsychotic may help

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us. At age of 81 onset of auditory hallucinations suggests possibility of some brain changes. You should go for MRI brain scan to rule out any pathology.

If your hallucinations are happening within few minutes of going to bed it is likely hypnogogic hallucinations and normal.

Whatever the cause low dose of anti psychotic medicine can help in this.Or low dose benzodiazepine can also help in relieving stress and for good sleep.

If hallucinations are there even in day time we should evaluate for psychological disorder also.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.

Regards,

Dr.Chintan Solanki.

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