Understanding the Charles Bonnet syndrome: An updated review

IF 3.7 3区医学 Q2 NEUROSCIENCES

Brain Research Bulletin Pub Date : 2026-01-01 Epub Date: 2025-12-12 DOI:10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111683

Sophia E.G. Christoph , Karl T. Boden , Berthold Seitz , Peter Szurman , André Schulz

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) is a complex and underrecognized condition characterized by visual hallucinations in individuals with visual impairment but preserved cognitive function. This review examines the evolving definitions, epidemiology, risk factors, and pathophysiological models of CBS. Drawing from a broad range of studies, the review identifies key diagnostic inconsistencies and highlights the syndrome’s multifactorial origins, including sensory deprivation and cortical processing imbalances. Epidemiological data suggest CBS affects up to 10 % of visually impaired individuals, though prevalence estimates vary widely due to definitional discrepancies. Risk factors include low visual acuity, female sex, social isolation, and possibly certain medications, though evidence remains inconclusive. Pathophysiological theories such as deafferentation, predictive coding, and the perception-attention deficit model underscore the interplay between bottom-up and top-down mechanisms in hallucination formation. The review also explores differential diagnoses and discusses therapeutic approaches, including vision restoration, pharmacological agents, and psychoeducation. While no standardized treatment exists, early recognition and patient reassurance can significantly improve outcomes. The review calls for clearer diagnostic criteria, further research into neurobiological mechanisms, and longitudinal studies to better understand the prognosis and potential links between CBS and cognitive decline.

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理解查尔斯·邦纳综合征：最新综述。

查尔斯邦纳综合征（CBS）是一种复杂且未被充分认识的疾病，其特征是视觉障碍但保留认知功能的个体出现视觉幻觉。本文综述了CBS的定义、流行病学、危险因素和病理生理模型。从广泛的研究中，该综述确定了关键的诊断不一致，并强调了该综合征的多因素起源，包括感觉剥夺和皮层处理失衡。流行病学数据表明，CBS影响多达10%的视障人士，但由于定义上的差异，患病率估计差异很大。危险因素包括视力低下、女性、社会孤立，可能还有某些药物，但证据仍不确定。病理生理学理论，如神经分化、预测编码和感知-注意缺陷模型强调了幻觉形成中自下而上和自上而下机制之间的相互作用。本文还探讨了鉴别诊断和治疗方法，包括视力恢复、药物和心理教育。虽然没有标准化的治疗方法，但早期识别和患者保证可以显着改善预后。该综述呼吁更明确的诊断标准，对神经生物学机制的进一步研究，以及纵向研究，以更好地了解CBS与认知能力下降之间的预后和潜在联系。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Brain Research Bulletin 医学-神经科学

CiteScore

6.90

自引率

2.60%

发文量

253

审稿时长

67 days

期刊介绍： The Brain Research Bulletin (BRB) aims to publish novel work that advances our knowledge of molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie neural network properties associated with behavior, cognition and other brain functions during neurodevelopment and in the adult. Although clinical research is out of the Journal''s scope, the BRB also aims to publish translation research that provides insight into biological mechanisms and processes associated with neurodegeneration mechanisms, neurological diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders. The Journal is especially interested in research using novel methodologies, such as optogenetics, multielectrode array recordings and life imaging in wild-type and genetically-modified animal models, with the goal to advance our understanding of how neurons, glia and networks function in vivo.