Complex hallucinatory state occurring postsurgery: a case report.
A patient had unpleasant complex hallucinatory activity beginning 36 h postsurgery that lasted 48 h. Closing the eyes precipitated a flood of visual imagery that immediately roused the patient and prevented sleep. The imagery was predominantly visual, but there were auditory and narrative components suggesting a relationship to dreaming. An electroencephalogram showed that the hallucinatory activity was related to a recurring sequence of drowsiness, a few vertex slow waves, a myoclonic jerk, and arousal. Morphine was a prime suspect as the causative agent. The basic disturbance probably lay in the sleep-dream system. The syndrome has not been fully defined in the past.
Neurology Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
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D000368:Aged; D002763:Cholecystectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D004569:Electroencephalography; D006212:Hallucinations / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications