Hallucinations

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Sensory hallucinations

If someone begins to hallucinate and is detached from reality, a prompt medical evaluation should be sought, since many medical conditions that can cause hallucinations may quickly become emergencies. A person who is hallucinating may become agitated, paranoid, and frightened, and should not be left alone.

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.

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

Medical history questions may include the following:

• Does the person hear a voice?
• Does the person see something?
• Does the person have a sensation of feeling something or being touched?
• How long have hallucinations been present?
• When did hallucinations first appear?
• Do hallucinations occur just before or after sleep?
• Has there been a recent death or other emotional event?
• What medications is the person taken?
• Does the person use alcohol regularly?
• Does the person use illicit or illegal drugs?
• Are the hallucinations related to a traumatic event?
• Is there agitation?
• Is there confusion?
• Is there a fever?
• Is there a headache?
• Is there vomiting?

Review Date: 11/15/2006
Reviewed By: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.