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Charles Bonnet syndrome
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Overview
Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) refers to the presence of visual hallucinations in individuals with visual acuity loss without having psychosis or dementia.[1][2] The condition is likely caused by the brain continuing to interpret images, even in their absence.[3][4] Underlying conditions of vision loss associated with Charles Bonnet syndrome are diverse (including conditions such as macular degeneration and stroke) and may affect the eye, optic nerve, or brain. Hallucinations often resolve if the underlying vision deficit is corrected and can also remit in some individuals with static or progressive vision loss. Treatment is individualized.[1]
References
- Victoria S Pelak. Visual release hallucinations (Charles Bonnet syndrome). UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate; 2012.
- Bou Khalil R, Richa S. [Psychiatric, psychological comorbidities of typical and atypical Charles-Bonnet syndrome]. Encephale. December 2011.
- Charles Bonnet syndrome. Lighthouse International. http://www.lighthouse.org/about-low-vision-blindness/vision-disorders/charles-bonnet-syndrome/. Accessed July 15, 2011.
- P. Ricard. Vision loss and visual hallucinations: the Charles Bonnet syndrome. Community Eye Health. March 2009.
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General Information
- Lighthouse International, a leading resource in helping people overcome the challenges of vision loss, contains information on Charles Bonnet syndrome. Click on the link to review the information.
- PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Charles Bonnet syndrome. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.