What causes hallucinations? Factors that can cause hallucinations

1. What are the types of hallucinations? Hallucinations are when you see, feel, hear, smell, or taste things that are not there. Types of hallucinations classified according to the 5 senses include:
Auditory hallucinations: Hearing unreal voices or sounds Visual hallucinations: Seeing imaginary objects or seeing real objects differently separate from everyone Olfactory hallucinations: Smelling smells that only you can smell Tactile hallucinations: Feeling bugs crawling on your skin Taste hallucinations: Bringing back a strange taste in the mouth.

2. Factors causing hallucinations 2.1. Diabetes You may start to have hallucinations when your blood sugar stays very high for a long time. If the glycemic index is above 600 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), you may have hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS). This is a serious complication of diabetes that causes extreme thirst, fever, confusion, and hallucinations. You'll need intravenous medication to lower your blood sugar, as well as replenish fluids and electrolytes.
2.2. Schizophrenia About half of people with schizophrenia hear voices in their heads. In addition to this common symptom, some other people have visual hallucinations. Doctors are still learning what causes hallucinations, but it may be due to a combination of changes in the brain, genetics, and environment. Antipsychotics can help reduce hallucinations in people with schizophrenia.
2.3. Parkinson's disease More than half of people with Parkinson's have visual hallucinations or delusions. Experts are not sure why the hallucinations occur, whether it is due to changes in the brain after treatment or due to the disease itself. This symptom will sometimes accompany other types of dementia such as Lewy . Doctors may prescribe antipsychotics to help control a patient's hallucinations.

2.4. Alzheimer's Disease Changes that occur to the brain with Alzheimer's disease can lead to hallucinations. The person may also feel paranoid or think that people are trying to harm them. Medicines for Alzheimer's disease may help by changing the action of chemicals in the brain.
2.5. Migraines People with migraines will sometimes see a halo with flashes of light, blind spots that can't be seen, or other changes in vision. You may also feel numbness or tingling in your hands and face. These symptoms usually occur about 1 hour before the headache. Experts suggest that the aura may be like an electrical or chemical wave that passes through the visual part of the brain. Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat and prevent migraines.
2.6. Brain Tumor Psychosis is a common symptom of brain tumors. Brain tumors can lead to amnesia, speech problems, or mood swings. Brain tumors can also cause visual hallucinations, causing people to see things that aren't there or act differently from what you would normally do. To treat the tumor, patients need surgery or radiation.
2.7. Charles Bonnet Hallucinogen Syndrome This is a disease that causes visual hallucinations in people with vision loss. Doctors think it could be because the brain continues to process images even though you can't see. Hallucinations will disappear when vision returns to normal. If you are permanently blind, you can learn some ways to prevent hallucinations, such as taking antipsychotics.

2.8. Sleep disturbances Some sleep conditions will cause hallucinations, usually visual hallucinations that occur while you are asleep or awake. This type of hallucination is very similar to dreams, but seems more real. A sleep specialist can help you make lifestyle changes or prescribe medications that can control symptoms.
2.9. Post-traumatic stress disorder Post-traumatic stress disorder can cause auditory hallucinations, although it is quite rare. You may hear one or more voices; Or you simply have tinnitus. You may also feel paranoid and suspicious of others. This condition is treatable with psychotherapy, such as talk therapy and medication.
2.10. Fever Sometimes children will hallucinate if they have a high fever. Hallucinations usually go away within a few minutes. Reducing fever with ibuprofen or acetaminophen, fluids and rest,... will stop the hallucinations.
2.11. Infections Some serious infections or illnesses - like meningitis or septic shock, can cause hallucinations. When there is no more infection, the hallucination will go away.
Hope the information in the above article helps you better understand the factors that cause hallucinations so that you can take preventive measures and treat them early.

Reference source: webmd.com