Hallucinations in Cartagena, Colombia

What are hallucinations?

They are perceptions that seem real but have no external source: hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting or feeling on the skin something that is not there. Auditory ones, such as hearing voices, are the most common in psychiatric disorders; visual ones are more common with medical or neurological causes.

Do they always mean a mental illness?

No. They can occur when falling asleep or waking up in people with no illness. Also from high fever, dehydration, extreme sleep deprivation, migraine, epilepsy, Parkinson's, dementia, delirium in hospitalized older adults, alcohol or drug use or withdrawal, medication effects or vision or hearing loss.

When is it urgent?

If they appear suddenly, especially in an older adult or with fever, confusion, severe headache, weakness or speech problems. Also if hallucinations command harmful acts or cause great fear or agitation.

Who evaluates them?

A psychiatrist, together with a neurologist when a neurological cause is suspected. The evaluation includes history, physical exam, review of medications and substances, and lab tests or imaging as needed. Treatment depends on the cause.

Find hallucination specialists

On MedicosDoc you can find psychiatrists and neurologists. Compare profiles and book your appointment.