Delusions/Hallucinarions

[sunshinebee]

I became very sick 5 years ago with all the symptoms of PA but was undiagnosed. I got to the point where I started having delusions of parasitosis and hallucinations. Has anyone else experienced delusions or halluconations? I'm afraid my brain may have been permanently damaged?

[Cherylclaire Forum Support]

I know that delusions and hallucinations can be B12 deficiency symptoms, but have not experienced them personally.

I did have some problems identifying smells correctly:

For instance, I once was convinced that a local supermarket reeked of raw sewage. The automatic doors opened - there was that awful smell. The doors closed - nothing. I tried to ignore it - my partner pointed out that no-one else seemed to be affected- but couldn't enter the shop. It was very real to me.

I now think that my brain was trying to link an aroma (possibly the fruit and veg aisle just inside the door) to something -and failing to select the correct/ most appropriate answer.

This doesn't happen now. For a while, I relied on second opinions where smell was concerned, in case it was just me.

There is no stigma attached to "aroma confusion", so it did not concern me to explain this situation to a GP/ consultant. I would imagine visual hallucinations more disturbing and also more difficult to discuss with medical professionals.

I later had a brain scan, organised by a neurologist, because of some memory and cognitive issues, and was relieved to be told that my brain is normal. Quite surprised in all honesty.

All of my symptoms have since gradually improved, become rare or less severe -or completely gone.

[charks]

I didn't have parasitosis (sounds horrible) or hallucinations. But I did get very paranoid and had a couple of instances of mind blanking - which lasted a few seconds and was very worrying. I stopped driving for a year until I was sure it wouldn't happen again. Since raising my B12 levels my paranoia has gone and I haven't experienced any mind blanking. Psychiatric manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency usually go away once B12 treatment starts.