Hallucinations

Alternative names:

sensory hallucinations

Home care:

For occasional hallucinations caused by death of a loved one or other traumatic event, these should cease eventually. If hallucinations last longer than 6 weeks, see your health care provider.

For hallucinations caused by alcohol or street drug use, discontinue use and seek medical help.

For hallucinations that occur when falling asleep or on waking (common occurrences at these times), there is likely no treatment.

For hallucinations with no known cause, see a health care provider or medical health professional promptly.

Call your health care provider if:

• hallucinations occur regularly.
• hallucinations are unexplained.
• hallucinations are caused by substance abuse.
• hallucinations are accompanied by other unexplained symptoms.
• hallucinations last longer than 4 hours.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting hallucinations in detail may include:

• type
  • Is there a sensation of a voice (auditory)?
  • Is there a sensation of something seen (visual hallucination)?
  • Is there a sensation of something felt or touched (tactile hallucination)?
  • Is there a sensation of hearing a running commentary about the individual's thoughts or behavior?
  • Is there a sensation of two or more voices conversing with each other?
  • Is there a preoccupation with frequent auditory hallucinations (i.e. voices) related to a single theme?

• time pattern
  • How long have hallucinations been present?
  • When did hallucinations first appear (initial onset)?
  • Do hallucinations occur just before or after sleep (hypnagogic hallucinations)?

• aggravating or triggering factors
  • Has there been a recent death or other emotional event?
  • What medications are you taking?
  • Is alcohol used regularly?
  • Are illicit/illegal drugs being used?
  • Are the hallucinations related to a traumatic event?

• other
  • Is there agitation?
  • Is there confusion?
  • Is there a fever?
  • Is there a headache?
  • Is there vomiting?

The patient may be referred to a specialist for a complete nervous system (neurological) or psychological examination.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to hallucinations to your personal medical record.