Charles Bonnet Syndrome, or CBS, is a particularly interesting condition that causes people to see hallucinations. But it's different from a mental disorder like schizophrenia as the person is aware the the hallucinations are unreal.
Often known today as “phantom vision” or “ghost vision,” many similar cases have been recorded in the decades since, and though it has long been regarded as a rare disease, recent evidence suggests that it is much more widespread than previously believed.
For those stricken with Charles Bonnet Syndrome, the world is occasionally adorned with vivid yet unreal images.
Some see surfaces covered in non-existent patterns such as brickwork or tiles, while others see phantom objects in astonishing detail, including people, animals, buildings, or whatever else their minds may conjure.
These images linger for as little as several seconds or for as much as several hours, appearing and vanishing abruptly. They may consist of commonplace items such as bottles or hats, or brain-bending nonsense such as dancing children with giant flowers for heads.
(Image credit: Wikimedia Commons)
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