Näköharhat

Näköharhat, also known as visual hallucinations, are sensory experiences that appear real but are created by the mind, without any external stimulus. They can involve seeing things that are not present, such as people, objects, patterns, or lights. These hallucinations can vary in complexity, from simple flashes of light to elaborate scenes with detailed figures.

The causes of visual hallucinations are diverse and can range from neurological conditions to psychological factors and substance use. Certain brain disorders, like Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, and Alzheimer's disease, are often associated with visual hallucinations. Migraine auras can also manifest as visual disturbances. Epilepsy, particularly temporal lobe epilepsy, can trigger these experiences.

Psychological conditions such as schizophrenia, severe depression, and bipolar disorder can lead to visual hallucinations, often accompanying other psychotic symptoms like delusions. Sleep deprivation and extreme stress can also induce temporary visual disturbances. Furthermore, intoxication with certain drugs, including LSD, psilocybin, and stimulants, as well as withdrawal from alcohol or sedatives, can cause hallucinations.

Certain medications, when taken at high doses or when experiencing side effects, can also be a cause. Eye conditions that affect vision, like macular degeneration or glaucoma, can sometimes lead to visual distortions that might be perceived as hallucinations, though these are often referred to as Charles Bonnet syndrome when the person has normal insight that the perceptions are not real.

Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history, physical and neurological examinations, and sometimes imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to rule out underlying physical causes. Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause. For instance, medication adjustments may be necessary for drug-induced hallucinations, while specific therapies are used for neurological or psychiatric conditions.