Hallucinations: A Real Clue to Several Medical Conditions

Friday, April 04, 2003

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Seeing animals or people that you know aren't there. Hearing music or voices giving commands. These are hallucinations. And they aren't an uncommon experience, especially for older adults, according to the April issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.

Talk to your doctor if hallucinations occur regularly, last longer than a few moments, are a new occurrence or are telling you to do something bad or dangerous. Hallucinations may be a symptom of a treatable medical or mental condition. Although some hallucinations may be harmless, others may signal a more serious problem requiring your doctor's attention.

Hallucinations can be a symptom of:

Mental disorders: Hallucinations are associated with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Certain medical conditions: Parkinson's disease, strokes, tumors and seizures can produce hallucinations.

Vision or hearing loss: Cataracts, macular degeneration or glaucoma may cause visual hallucinations. Hearing loss or deafness may trigger auditory hallucinations.

Carol Lammers
507-284-5005 (days)
507-284-2511(evenings)
email: newsbureau@mayo.edu

Mayo Clinic Health Letter is an eight-page monthly newsletter of reliable, accurate and practical information on today's health and medical news. To subscribe, please call toll-free 800-333-9037, extension 9PR1.

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