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What Causes Hallucinations And Leaden Paralysis In A Depression Patient?
Question: 55 y/o CF
Hx of depression, anxiety, chronic back pain, headaches, gallbladder disease. Had knee surgery in Dec.-scope with meniscus repair. January-acute on set visual and tactile hallucinations-was seeing "bugs" or " debris" and could feel them. Mid March, stooped over and walking in slow motion and had to have a cane, left eye deviation noted, loss of some executive function, peri-orbital swelling of right eye, and + ble lymphedema with stasis dermatitis, 30 # unintentional weight loss since end of January. was told last year had renal failure by PCP then two month later was told not really renal failure-stage two because GFR was "ok"?? MRI of brain was normal two weeks ago, started on risperidone and hallucinations have stopped, zyprexa didn't work. was hospitalized and started on these medications. only lab done was LFT's- normal.
Please help
What is going on???
Hx of depression, anxiety, chronic back pain, headaches, gallbladder disease. Had knee surgery in Dec.-scope with meniscus repair. January-acute on set visual and tactile hallucinations-was seeing "bugs" or " debris" and could feel them. Mid March, stooped over and walking in slow motion and had to have a cane, left eye deviation noted, loss of some executive function, peri-orbital swelling of right eye, and + ble lymphedema with stasis dermatitis, 30 # unintentional weight loss since end of January. was told last year had renal failure by PCP then two month later was told not really renal failure-stage two because GFR was "ok"?? MRI of brain was normal two weeks ago, started on risperidone and hallucinations have stopped, zyprexa didn't work. was hospitalized and started on these medications. only lab done was LFT's- normal.
Please help
What is going on???
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
You are having hallucinations, and leaden paralysis (sensation of heavy legs) which may be a symptom of either psychosis or depression. The purpose of an antipsychotic medication is to help alleviate your hallucinations, and also to help improve your sensation of leaden paralysis. It affects serotonin and dopamine in the brain to achieve these effects. With time, you will indeed feel better, as these medications are very effective.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
You are having hallucinations, and leaden paralysis (sensation of heavy legs) which may be a symptom of either psychosis or depression. The purpose of an antipsychotic medication is to help alleviate your hallucinations, and also to help improve your sensation of leaden paralysis. It affects serotonin and dopamine in the brain to achieve these effects. With time, you will indeed feel better, as these medications are very effective.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
What would the diagnosis be?
What about the eye deviation, stooped over position, and sloth like motion? Also incontinence of urine (I forgot to mention that).
Isn't is unusual for a person of age 55 who has never been psychotic to have an acute onset?
I thought that most visual hallucinations would be of an organic cause?
When is it likely that the other symptoms will improve?
What about the eye deviation, stooped over position, and sloth like motion? Also incontinence of urine (I forgot to mention that).
Isn't is unusual for a person of age 55 who has never been psychotic to have an acute onset?
I thought that most visual hallucinations would be of an organic cause?
When is it likely that the other symptoms will improve?
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
The diagnosis is unspecified psychotic disorder, and possible major depression with psychotic features.
The perception of eye deviation, stopping, and slow motion can all be caused by psychosis.
It is not at all unusual for a person aged 55 to have new-onset psychosis. This happens frequently.
Most visual hallucinations are of organic origin, but not all.
Symptoms will improve in 4-8 weeks with antipsychotic and possibly antidepressant treatment.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Followup
Detailed Answer:
The diagnosis is unspecified psychotic disorder, and possible major depression with psychotic features.
The perception of eye deviation, stopping, and slow motion can all be caused by psychosis.
It is not at all unusual for a person aged 55 to have new-onset psychosis. This happens frequently.
Most visual hallucinations are of organic origin, but not all.
Symptoms will improve in 4-8 weeks with antipsychotic and possibly antidepressant treatment.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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