Do you keep seeing something even after you remove it? Let's talk about Palinopsia!

Imagine, you look at a chair in a room and then look away. But it still seems to be in front of your eyes. Or when you look at a speeding car, you see a long comet-like light trailing behind it. Have you ever had such strange experiences? This is what we call palinopsia in medicine. The name means "seeing again." Don't worry, this is often not a disease of the eyes, but a change in the parts of our brain that control vision. Let's talk about this in detail.

Simply put, what is Palinopsia?

Palinopsia is when you continue to see something in front of your eyes even after it has been removed. Or, when something you are currently seeing appears distorted. This is not due to a problem with your eyes. It is due to a disruption or abnormal activity in the vision processing areas of your brain .

Most often, this affects the part of the brain called the occipital lobe, which is located at the back of the head and is mainly responsible for processing vision. However, very rarely, it can be a symptom of a serious condition such as a stroke . So it's important to be aware of this.

Are there main types of palinopsia?

Yes, experts divide this condition into two main types. They are `Hallucinatory` and `Illusory`. There are several other symptoms under each type. Let's understand these in a table.

What could be causing this situation?

There are many possible causes of palinopsia, as anything that affects the parts of the brain that control vision can cause it. The main causes are:

• Migraines: This symptom can be seen with migraines, especially migraines with auras, which affect vision.
• Seizures and epilepsy: This can be caused by seizures in the parts of the brain related to vision.
• Infections affecting the brain: For example, conditions such as `posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)` can be caused by COVID-19.
• Stroke and TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack): This condition can occur due to a disruption in blood flow to the brain. A TIA is a temporary paralysis that comes and goes.
• Other brain problems include: benign and cancerous brain tumors, concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI), and brain bleeds.
• Certain medications: The use of certain medications can also affect this.
• Idiopathic: Sometimes this condition can occur without any identifiable cause.

Some medications can also cause this.

Some medications you are taking can also cause palinopsia. It is very important to inform your doctor in such cases.

• Some medications for depression (`Antidepressants` - e.g. trazodone, mirtazapine)
• Some medications for epilepsy (`Antiseizure medications` - e.g. topiramate)
• Fertility drugs such as `Clomiphene`
• Birth control pills
• Medications such as `Risperidone' for mental illness
• Illegal drugs (such as `LSD`, `mescaline`)

When should I seek medical advice? Is this an emergency?

This is the most important part. If palinopsia is something you've never had before, it's not a good condition to diagnose and treat on your own at home.

If you experience palinopsia, a drooping sensation on one side of your face, numbness on one side of your body, or difficulty speaking, go to a hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately. These are the main symptoms of a stroke. The longer you wait to get treatment, the more damage to your brain can occur.

If your doctor has confirmed that you have a less serious condition like migraine, he or she will advise you on when to seek medical advice. However, if you have any doubts, it is always best to be on the safe side and seek medical advice.

Can this situation be prevented?

We can prevent conditions of palinopsia that occur due to certain causes.

• Prevent head injuries: Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or motorcycle. Wear a seat belt when riding in a vehicle. Simple things like these can help prevent head injuries and the complications that result from them.
• Manage your chronic conditions: If you have a condition like migraines, take the medication prescribed by your doctor on time.
• Use medications correctly: Use the medications your doctor prescribes exactly as he or she tells you. If you experience any of these symptoms after taking any medication, inform your doctor. Also, avoid illegal drugs completely.

Some questions you might also be wondering about

Are Palinopsia and Afterimage the same thing?

No. There is a clear difference between the two.

AfterimageIt's normal. When you stare at a bright object for 20-30 seconds and then close your eyes, you see an image of it inside, right? That's what's called an ``afterimage.'' It fades after a while, and it often appears in the opposite color to what you initially saw (a negative image).

But Palinopsia is an unusual condition. In this case, the images seen are clearer, appear in the same color as the object you first saw, and you don't have to stare at something for a long time to see it.

Are there any tests for this?

There is no specific test to diagnose palinopsia. Your doctor can determine whether you have the condition by asking you questions. However, to find the cause , you may need to have tests such as an MRI or CT scan, or an EEG (which measures brain activity). Your doctor will decide which tests are needed based on your symptoms.