Delusional reduplication following closed-head injury.
Somatic delusions following brain injury are not uncommon, and have been well documented in the literature. This study documents a case of somatic delusion which was seen in a patient following a head injury secondary to a motorcycle accident. Although perhaps not typical it serves to illustrate an interesting example of a somatic delusion following head trauma. On recovery from coma this patient reported the existence of a 'third arm' adjacent to the limb that had received the greatest impact in the accident. The patient was unreceptive to any counter-persuasions and in fact remained largely unconcerned about this addition to his anatomy. A thorough neuropsychological evaluation was carried out in an attempt to seek an explanation for this phenomenon. The results suggest that the phenomenon has at least a partly psychiatric aetiology rather than a purely neurological foundation.
Rogers
M J
MJ
Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, West Virginia University, Morgantown 26505.
Franzen
M D
MD
D000328:Adult; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D001364:Awareness; D001828:Body Image; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000523:psychology*; D003702:Delusions / Q000523:psychology*; D016489:Head Injuries, Closed / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010591:Phantom Limb / Q000523:psychology*