Parents often feel alarmed when their child experiences hallucinations while sick. Hallucinations are perceptions that seem real but are not based on external stimuli, such as seeing things that are not there or hearing voices that no one else hears. While these episodes can be frightening, they are frequently temporary and not indicative of a serious underlying condition when associated with illness. It is helpful to understand the common reasons these phenomena occur in children during periods of sickness.
Common Causes of Hallucinations in Sick Children
High fever is a frequent cause of hallucinations in children, often referred to as febrile hallucinations or delirium. When a child’s body temperature rises significantly, typically above 102°F (38.9°C), the elevated heat can temporarily affect brain function, leading to confusion and distorted perceptions. These episodes are often brief, lasting only a few minutes, and generally resolve as the fever subsides.
Dehydration can also contribute to hallucinations in sick children. When a child loses more fluids than they take in, their body’s osmotic balance is disrupted, which can impact brain function. Severe dehydration can lead to hyponatremia, which may cause confusion, disorientation, and hallucinations. This condition can occur due to insufficient fluid intake or excessive fluid loss from vomiting, diarrhea, or high fever.
Sleep deprivation, particularly during illness, can also trigger hallucinations in children. When a child is unwell, their sleep patterns can be significantly disturbed, leading to prolonged periods without adequate rest. Lack of sleep can disrupt the brain’s ability to process information and maintain alertness, potentially causing visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations. These hallucinations often manifest after 24 hours or more of sleeplessness and resolve with sufficient rest.
Certain medications can induce hallucinations as a side effect in children. Common culprits include some decongestants, antihistamines, and even some pain relievers. Stimulant medications for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have also been associated with hallucinations, though this is rare. These drug-induced hallucinations subside once the medication is stopped or the dosage is adjusted.
Identifying Hallucinations and When to Be Concerned
Recognizing hallucinations in a child can be challenging, as they might describe seeing simple images like lights or shapes, or more complex visions such as unfamiliar people, animals, or objects. Auditory hallucinations, where a child hears sounds or voices, are among the most common types. Children might also experience tactile hallucinations, such as feeling sensations on their skin like touching, burning, or insects crawling. These experiences differ from imaginary friends or vivid dreams, as hallucinations are perceived as real and are not under the child’s control or a source of comfort.
While many hallucinations linked to illness are temporary, certain “red flags” indicate a need for immediate medical evaluation. Seek prompt medical attention if your child’s hallucinations are accompanied by any of the following:
- Unresponsiveness, severe headache, or a stiff neck.
- A rash or difficulty breathing.
- Fever persists for more than 48 hours.
- The child cannot be comforted or seems disoriented even after the fever breaks.
- Hallucinations are complex, distressing, or command them to cause harm.
What to Do When Your Child Hallucinates
When your child experiences hallucinations while sick, the first step is to remain calm and offer reassurance. Speak to them in a soothing voice and provide comfort, letting them know you are there to keep them safe. Create a quiet and calm environment, as this can help reduce distress. You might gently redirect their attention or move them to a different, well-lit room, as this can sometimes lessen the intensity of the hallucination.
Ensuring your child’s safety is a priority. Remove any potentially dangerous objects from their immediate surroundings and stay with them throughout the episode. Focus on managing their underlying illness, such as reducing fever with appropriate over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Offering plenty of fluids is also important to prevent or address dehydration, which can contribute to these episodes.
Carefully monitor your child for any serious warning signs. If any concerning symptoms appear, contact your pediatrician immediately or seek emergency medical attention. While most fever-related hallucinations are benign and resolve on their own, prompt medical consultation for any worrisome developments helps ensure your child receives appropriate care.