Charles Bonnet Syndrome with superimposed delirium

Authors

Chelsea Karson, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow
Christopher Kang, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow
Brittany Albrecht, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Downers Grove, USA.
Geoffrey Levin, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow

Recommended Citation

Karson C, Kang C, Albrecht B, Levin G. Charles Bonnet Syndrome With Superimposed Delirium. Cureus. 2022;14(8):e27570. Published 2022 Aug 1. doi:10.7759/cureus.27570

Affiliations

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

Abstract

Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) is diagnosed when a patient who is psychiatrically intact experiences visual hallucinations in the setting of significant visual acuity or field loss. The exact pathophysiology of the CBS hallucinations remains largely unknown. The main theories include the deafferentation theory and perceptual release theory. There are suspected neurotransmitters involved, including acetylcholine and dopamine. There is no defined treatment protocol with medication for CBS, but various psychotropic medications have been used with varying degrees of remission of symptoms. This case report describes a 64-year-old male with Charles Bonnet Syndrome in the setting of superimposed delirium. We note the different medications that were trialed to reduce his CBS symptoms and decrease episodes of behavioral disturbances. Clinical features of this rare syndrome with superimposed delirium are summarized in hopes of providing directions for management and future study.

Type

Article

PubMed ID

36059364