DiseaseInjuryNutritionPoison
Special TopicSurgerySymptomsTest
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
Y
OverviewTreatment

Hallucinations

Alternative Names:
Sensory hallucinations

Call your health care provider if:

Call your health care provider, go to the emergency room, or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if someone appears to be hallucinating and is unable to distinguish hallucinations from reality.



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

The health care provider will perform a physical examination and will obtain the patient's medical history. Blood may be drawn for testing.

Medical history questions documenting hallucinations in detail may include the following:

  • Type
    • Is there a sensation of a voice (auditory hallucinations)?
    • Is there a sensation of something seen (visual hallucination)?
    • Is there a sensation of something felt or touched (tactile hallucination)?
  • Time pattern
    • How long have hallucinations been present?
    • When did hallucinations first appear (initial onset)?
    • Do hallucinations occur just before or after sleep?
  • 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


Review Date: 2/2/2003
Reviewed By: David Taylor, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com