The Soundtrack of the Mind: A Case Report of Musical Hallucinosis

• Andreia Salgado Gonçalves ^[1] ; Francesco Monteleone ^[1] ; Beatriz Couto ^[1] ; Rita Ortiga ^[1] ; Rosa Rodrigues ^[1]
  1. [1] Hospital da Senhora da Oliveira Guimarães

     Hospital da Senhora da Oliveira Guimarães

     Guimarães (São Paio), Portugal

     
• Localización: Psicosomática y psiquiatría, ISSN-e 2565-0564, Nº. 29, 2024
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Musical hallucination is one of the most complex forms of auditory hallucinations, where subjects perceive complex sound in the form of music, in the absence of an acoustic stimulus. It is called hallucinosis when patients are aware of the hallucination as a pathological event. It is often associated with underlying neurological conditions such as brain lesions, hearing impairment, or psychiatric disorders. In this case report, we present the case of a 64-year-old woman with a pre-existing hearing impairment who experienced musical hallucinosis with a specific fixation on the music of Nel Monteiro, a Portuguese singer. The aim of this report is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the manifestation, impact, and potential treatment options for musical hallucinosis. We discuss the clinical presentation, medical history, and evaluations conducted to explore potential contributing factors. Despite the presence of a hearing impairment, further investigations ruled out organic causes or psychiatric disorders as the sole underlying cause of the hallucinations. The case highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the management of musical hallucinosis, including pharmacological interventions, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and auditory stimulation techniques. This report contributes to the existing literature by expanding our understanding of musical hallucinosis, particularly in the context of a pre-existing hearing impairment. It emphasizes the need for further research to elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying this rare condition and to develop more targeted and effective treatment approaches. Improved understanding and management of musical hallucinosis will ultimately enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by this challenging condition.