Charles Bonnet Syndrome: Visual Hallucination Impact in the Elderly

Lee Boon Ang*
*Doctor of Nursing Practice Student, Columbia University School of Nursing, New York.
Periodicity:May - July'2011
DOI : https://doi.org/10.26634/jnur.1.2.1472

Abstract

Charles Bonnet syndrome presents as visual hallucination affecting the elderly population visual perception.  The visual hallucination may present as abstract images or distinct clear small stature images know as Lilliputian, causing distress and affecting the elderly patient’s quality of life.  This syndrome has been mistaken and misdiagnosed as early onset dementia or psychosis, which furthers isolates the patient from the community.  Fear of prejudice or being labeled mentally incompetence becomes a barrier in seeking treatment.  There is not specific etiology to explain Charles Bonnet syndrome and this makes treatment a challenge for the clinician.  The difference between visual hallucination and illusion is the presence of insight and recognizing the visual image as not real.

Keywords

Charles Bonnet syndrome, Visual Hallucination, Insight, Treatment, Quality of life

How to Cite this Article?

Ang, L.B. (2011). Charles Bonnet Syndrome: Visual Hallucination Impact in the Elderly. i-manager’s Journal on Nursing, 1(2), 9-12. https://doi.org/10.26634/jnur.1.2.1472

References

[1]. Kester, E. M. (2009). Charles Bonnet syndrome: case presentation and literature review. Optometry, 80(7), 360- 366. doi: S1529-1839(09)00064-5 [pii]10.1016/j.optm. 2008.10.017 [doi].
[2]. Khan, J. C., Shahid, H., Thurlby, D. A., Yates, J. R., & Moore, A. T. (2008). Charles Bonnet syndrome in agerelated macular degeneration: the nature and frequency of images in subjects with end-stage disease. Ophthalmic Epidemiol , 15 (3) ,202-208 .doi:794318812 [pii]10.1080/09286580801939320 [doi].
[3]. Pelak, V. S. (2011a). Approach to The Patient With Visual Hallucinations. UpToDate Retrieved April 26, 2011 www.uptodate.com.
[4]. Pelak, V. S. (2011b). Visual Release Hallucinations (Charles Bonnet Syndrome). UpToDate Retrieved April 26, 2011 www.uptodate.com.
[5]. Segers, K. (2009). Charles Bonnet syndrome disappearing with carbamazepine and valproic acid but not with levetiracetam. Acta Neurol Belg, 109(1), 42-43.
[6]. Tan, C. S., & Sabel, B. A. (2005). Charles Bonnet syndrome in patients with visual field defects-are hallucinations good or bad? J Neurosurg, 103(1), 193-195; author reply 195.
[7]. Vojnikovic, B., Radeljak, S., Dessardo, S., Zarkovic- Palijan, T., Bajek, G., & Linsak, Z. (2010). What associates Charles Bonnet syndrome with age-related macular degeneration? Coll Antropol, 34 Suppl 2, 45-48.
If you have access to this article please login to view the article or kindly login to purchase the article

Purchase Instant Access

Single Article

North Americas,UK,
Middle East,Europe
India Rest of world
USD EUR INR USD-ROW
Pdf 35 35 200 20
Online 35 35 200 15
Pdf & Online 35 35 400 25

Options for accessing this content:
  • If you would like institutional access to this content, please recommend the title to your librarian.
    Library Recommendation Form
  • If you already have i-manager's user account: Login above and proceed to purchase the article.
  • New Users: Please register, then proceed to purchase the article.