Charles Bonnet syndrome associated with a first attack of multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND

We treated a rare case of Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) manifested during temporary blindness in both eyes caused by optic neuritis associated with a first attack of multiple sclerosis (MS).

CASE: A 66-year-old Japanese woman became completely blind for 3 months due to optic neuritis after a first attack of MS. During the blind period, she experienced vivid visual hallucinations for about 2 weeks.

OBSERVATIONS: The patient had no psychiatric disorders or cognitive impairments; therefore, the visual hallucinations during the period of blindness were indicative of CBS. Unexpectedly, the hallucinations disappeared without treatment following her recovery of vision.

CONCLUSIONS

Although rare, visual impairment during a first attack of MS can be associated with visual hallucinations indicative of CBS. The hallucinations can disappear spontaneously with the recovery of vision without treatment.