Charles Bonnet Syndrome as a Rare Complication in an Ischaemic Stroke

Abstract

Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) is a rare cause of complex visual hallucinations (VH) in individuals with preserved cognitive status. We report a case of an elderly patient with VH, diplopia and headaches for 1 week, with preserved visual acuity and without any strength or focal neurological findings. Computed tomography revealed a subacute ischaemic stroke with temporal and occipital involvement. The patient was admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine where neurological, ophthalmological and psychiatric primary disease were ruled out, as well as dementia. CBS was assumed as a result of a subacute ischaemic stroke. Valproic acid was initiated to treat the symptoms, which resolved the VH. After 3 months of follow up, the patient remained completely recovered without any dementia signs. CBS is a benign disease, usually controlled without pharmacological therapy and not associated with a psychiatric disease; nevertheless, its association with dementia is not clear.