Great question — and one worth knowing the answer to! The key difference is simple: hallucinations happen while you are fully awake, not while sleeping. Dreams, of course, occur during sleep. With Parkinson's, hallucinations can involve any of the senses:
- Visual — seeing things like animals, people, or shapes that aren't Show Full Answer
Great question — and one worth knowing the answer to! The key difference is simple: hallucinations happen while you are fully awake, not while sleeping. Dreams, of course, occur during sleep. With Parkinson's, hallucinations can involve any of the senses:
- Visual — seeing things like animals, people, or shapes that aren't there
- Auditory — hearing sounds or voices with no source
- Olfactory — smelling odors no one else can smell
- Tactile — feeling sensations on your skin
- Gustatory — tasting something when not eating or drinking
Some people are aware in the moment that what they're experiencing isn't real — this is called "retaining insight." Others may not realize it, which can sometimes lead to confusion, agitation, or even falls.
It's always a good idea to let your neurologist know if hallucinations start or change, even if they don't feel frightening.
June 4
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