Casting shadows of perception: An exploration of visual hallucinations.

ABSTRACT: Hallucinations can be caused by biological, psychological, neurological, ophthalmological, and environmental factors. This article discusses a selection of the various conditions that can present with visual disturbances and hallucinations including schizophrenia, HIV, neurosyphilis, hyperammonemia, migraine, substance use, brain tumors, sleep disturbances, thyroid disorders, delirium, ophthalmologic conditions, and Lewy body dementia, providing an overview of the differential diagnosis of visual hallucinations. The mechanisms by which these conditions can lead to hallucinations are also discussed, and insight into the recommended medical workup for each is provided.