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Complex visual hallucinations and occipital seizures

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 June 2014

Mark Walterfang ,
Raju Yerra ,
Francesco Gaillard ,
Terence O’Brien ,
Ramon Mocellin  and
Dennis Velakoulis
Mark Walterfang*
Affiliation:
Neuropsychiatry Unit, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Raju Yerra
Affiliation:
Department of Neurosciences, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Francesco Gaillard
Affiliation:
Department of Radiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia
Terence O’Brien
Affiliation:
Department of Neurosciences, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Ramon Mocellin
Affiliation:
Neuropsychiatry Unit, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Dennis Velakoulis
Affiliation:
Neuropsychiatry Unit, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
*
Dr Mark Walterfang, Neuropsychiatry Unit Level 2, John Cade Building, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville 3050, Victoria, Australia. Tel: +61 3 93428750; Fax: +61 3 93428483; E-mail: mark.walterfang@mh.org.au
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Abstract

Background:

We describe the presentation of a young woman with long-standing complex partial seizures with occasional secondary generalization, who presented with complex visual hallucinations (CVHs) and delusions.

Methods:

Routine biological workup including magnetic resonance imaging revealed an area of significant left-sided occipital gliosis. Video telemetry monitoring revealed a left occipital focus for the origin of the electrographic seizure discharge.

Conclusion:

CVHs occur in a range of organic states, including epilepsy, and can be understood in terms of the underpinning neuroanatomy and neurotransmitter systems of the visual system.

Keywords

epilepsyhallucinationshallucinosisoccipitalvisual
Type
Case report
Information
Acta Neuropsychiatrica , Volume 19 , Issue 6 , December 2007 , pp. 376 - 379
Copyright
Copyright © 2007 Blackwell Munksgaard

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