Description
Cerebral disturbances are frequently a problem for those with advanced disease. These may be due to disease or medication, as well as cerebral dysfunction, and often due to a combination of problems. Whilst global disturbances such as delirium usually become apparent, those experiencing visual hallucinations are often reluctant to report that they are seeing things, for fear of being thought mad. In addition, doctors and nurses do not frequently ask about the symptom.
In a recent prospective study, the prevalence of hallucinations in hospice in-patients was found to be 47%.1 When it is clear that a patient is hallucinating, there is a strong tendency to blame opiates, because the association is well known.2,3 This review will examine other causes of visual hallucinations that should also be considered.
